Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your home is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis offers 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

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your friends and relatives to let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household goods or personal belongings that you have thrown out 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 repairs and cleanup are complete. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected rooms of the house. Don't operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on 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. (Never 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 a dry area. Do not let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some suggestions to help deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 that was used to diffuse the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can cause more 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 off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned items that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Relocate all pets to a safe environment until your house 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 business or home has been damaged by storm, fire, water, mold or other disaster, Call Paul!