Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has affected your house can often be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that can help the recovery process go smoother.

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

  • Of course, it is extremely 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 assure them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household personal belongings or goods you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is 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 Paul Davis to arrive, 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 slips, falls and electric shock are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform 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 the power to affected rooms of the home. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to speed up drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don't use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry area. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any extra 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 handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home 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 aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of 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: Don't 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 if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don't attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't eat food exposed to smoke or 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: Transfer any pets to a clean environment until your home 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 home or business is damaged by fire, mold, storm, water or other disaster, Call Paul!