Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your property can often be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that can help the recovery process go smoother.

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

  • Of course, it is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are 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 thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the 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, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock 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 turn 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 home. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to dry places. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of bigger 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 suggestions to help deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the scene safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from the water used to put out the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can create extra 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 checked by a professional. 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 being on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don't attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner 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 home has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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