Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your house is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis provides 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 extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your friends and relatives to let them know you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods you have discarded 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 cleanup and repairs are complete. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You’ve 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: Water events can present a lot of potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected areas of the home. Do not operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to speed up drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Never use the 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: Transport wet items to dry places. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess 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 damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene completely 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 extinguish the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done 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 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: Do not use any TV, stereo 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 using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don't wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never 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 double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transport all pets to a safe environment until your home has been fully 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 storm, water, mold, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!