Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your residence is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

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

  • Obviously, it is always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • 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 finished. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the property. Don't operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to aid in drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental 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 carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of large furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 used to extinguish the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can cause more damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Do not use any TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is turned 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 “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never consume 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: Relocate any and all pets to a clean environment until your property has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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