Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your house is most often a traumatic situation filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis provides 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 is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household goods or personal belongings 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 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, 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 electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform 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 floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on 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. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to dry places. Don't let draperies to stay 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 larger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle 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, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short 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.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Don't use any TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or any 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 all pets to a clean environment until your property has been completely cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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