Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your home can often be stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that can help provide a smoother recovery process.

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

  • Of course, it’s extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your friends and relatives to assure them that you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup 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, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done so 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off all power to affected areas of the property. Don't operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Get rid of 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: Relocate wet items to a dry area. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath 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 Paul Davis to arrive, below are some suggestions to help deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property completely 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 used to extinguish the fire, and 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 can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can lead to 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 technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't consume any food exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer any pets to a safe environment until your property has been fully restored and cleaned.
  • 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 has been damaged by mold, storm, water, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!