Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your property is most often a traumatic situation filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis provides 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 is always 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 inform them that you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the 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’ve 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: Water events can present several potential safety hazards to occupants. 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: Turn off all power to affected rooms of the home. Never operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to aid in drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don't use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry place. Don't let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house 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 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 safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can cause 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 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 or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't consume any food exposed to smoke or any canned goods 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 all pets to a clean environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
  • 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 business or home is damaged by storm, mold, water, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!