Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your residence can often be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

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 pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to assure them that you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is 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 Paul Davis to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls 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: Turn off the power to affected areas of the property. Don't operate your TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist with drying in the summer 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 a dry area. 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 under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual 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 suggestions to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property safe. Even when 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 diffuse the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short 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.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. 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 when 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 restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been subjected 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: Transfer all pets to a safe environment until your property has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Clean 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 has been damaged by mold, water, fire, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!