Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your house is most often traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that will 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 unharmed 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 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.
  • 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 completed. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform 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 property. Don't operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed up drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never 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: Move wet items to dry areas. Don't let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual 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 damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 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 can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can create more damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Never 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 or tracking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never consume food items exposed to smoke or canned products that have been subjected 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: Relocate all pets to a safe environment until your property has been fully cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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