Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has affected your property can be a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that should 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 safe and that you contact your relatives and friends to inform them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are finished. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible 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 handle tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is very 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: Turn off the power to affected rooms of the home. Do not operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don't use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to dry places. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are some suggestions to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house 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 the water that was used to extinguish the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can create more 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 with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't eat food items exposed to smoke or canned items that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer all pets to a clean environment until your home has been cleaned and restored.
  • 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 water, mold, storm, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!