Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your residence can be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that can help the recovery process go smoother.

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

  • Obviously, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to let them know 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 discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are completed. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have 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: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is 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: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the property. Don't operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist with drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not 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 a dry area. Do not allow draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home 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 that was used to diffuse the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can cause additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Never 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 or tracking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don't wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat food exposed to smoke or 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 safe environment until your property has been completely cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Rinse plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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