Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your residence is most often traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that should 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 pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while 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 completed. (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, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off all power to affected areas of the property. Don't operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist with drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to dry areas. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for a member of the Paul Davis team to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the property completely safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water that was used to put out the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can create additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never eat food exposed to smoke or canned products 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 any pets to a safe environment until your property has been fully restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Rinse plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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