Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your house is most often a traumatic situation filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that should help the recovery process go smoother.

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

  • Of course, it is always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to assure them that you are all 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 in protecting your home.
  • Is your house 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’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present many possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Also, 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected areas of the property. Never operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist drying during 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 Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to dry places. Do not allow draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags 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 suggestions 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 that was used to diffuse 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 small amount of 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: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned products 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: Relocate any and all pets to a clean environment until your property has been fully 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 mold, fire, storm, water or other disaster, Call Paul!