Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has affected your property is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that will help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (403)342-4666

  • Obviously, it is always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe and that you contact your friends and relatives to assure them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are complete. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is very important to shut off the water. For most, the main shut-off valve is located either in your garage or utility room, or outside, next to your water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected rooms of the property. Don't operate your television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in summertime or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to dry places. Do not let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some tips to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene completely safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from the water used to extinguish the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can lead to additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Never use any TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not consume food exposed to smoke or canned items that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Relocate all pets to a safe environment until your property has been completely restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

If your business or home has been damaged by water, storm, mold, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!