Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your home is most often a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that should help provide a smoother recovery process.

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 unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • 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 some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present several possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle 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 property. Don't operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not 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 a dry area. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of large furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the property completely 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, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are 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 TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of 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.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to localize 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: Relocate any pets to a safe environment until your property has been fully restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Rinse plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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