Helpful Tips

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

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

  • Of course, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your relatives and friends to assure them that you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Keep a listing of any and all 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 complete. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have 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: A water event can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Keep in mind, 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: Be sure to turn off the power to affected rooms of the property. Don't operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying in summertime or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to a dry area. Don't allow draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags 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 help to arrive, below are some tips to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: 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 the water used to put out 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 aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can lead to additional 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 inspected by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not consume any food exposed to smoke or any canned products that have been subjected to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer all pets to a safe environment until your property has been fully cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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