Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your property can be stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that can help provide a smoother recovery process.

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

  • Of course, it’s always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household personal belongings or goods 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 repairs and cleanup 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 us to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are 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 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. Do not operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to speed up drying in the summer or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don't use a 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: Transfer wet items to dry areas. Do not let draperies to remain 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 bigger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for a member of the Paul Davis team to arrive, below are some tips to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from 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 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 extra 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 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 walking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't eat food items exposed to smoke or any canned products that have been subjected to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Relocate all pets to a clean environment until your property has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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