Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property is most often traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that should help provide a smoother recovery process.

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

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to make 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 possible.
  • Keep a listing of all 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 amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup 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 us to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many potential 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 the power to affected areas of the house. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed up drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Never 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: Relocate wet items to dry places. Don't allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any excess 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 tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property 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, 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 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: Never use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. If the electricity is 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 if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don't attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned items that have been subjected 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 house has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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