Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your residence is most often a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that can help provide a smoother recovery process.

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

  • Obviously, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure 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 household personal belongings or goods 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 done. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the home. Don't operate your television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to speed up drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don't use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to dry areas. Don't 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 large furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some 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 the water that was used to diffuse the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period 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: Don't use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned items that have been subjected 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: Transfer any pets to a safe environment until your home has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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