Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your residence is most often a traumatic situation filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that should help the recovery process go smoother.

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

  • Obviously, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your 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 and all household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • 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 done. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: A water event can present several potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is 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 TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying in the summer or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (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: Relocate wet items to a dry place. Do not let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You have 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 damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home 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 extinguish the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can lead to more 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 TV, stereo 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 or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned goods 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: Transport all pets to a safe environment until your house has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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