Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your house can be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information 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 make sure you and your family (and don’t forget 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 possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the amount of 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, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to residents. 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 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 home. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your 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. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet 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 areas. Don't let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under 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 suggestions to help deal 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 water used to put out the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can cause additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Never 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 with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don't wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat food items exposed to smoke or any canned items that have been exposed 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: Move any pets to a clean environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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