Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your house can be stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that can help the recovery process go smoother.

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

  • Of course, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household goods or personal belongings that 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 have 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: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected areas of the home. Never operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don't use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to a dry area. Don't let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of large 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 tips to help deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home safe. Even when 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, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are 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 small amount 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.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Don't use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don't attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to contain 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 double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Move any pets to a clean environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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