Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your house is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that should help the recovery process go smoother.

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

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are done. (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 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, falls and electric shock are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the home. Don't operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don't use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet 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 place. Do not allow draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any excess 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 deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property 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 diffuse the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts 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 more 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 stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't consume food 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 any and all pets to a safe environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Clean 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 storm, water, fire, mold or other disaster, Call Paul!