Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your house is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis provides 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

  • Obviously, it is always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
  • Keep a listing of all 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 extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup 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 help to arrive, below are helpful 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. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done 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 house. Don't operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don't use the 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 dry places. Don't allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of 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’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home 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 that was used to put out the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely 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 lead to extra 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 stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when 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 confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't eat food exposed to smoke or canned items that have been subjected 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: Move all pets to a safe environment until your house has been 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 mold, fire, water, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!