Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your property is most often a traumatic situation filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis offers 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 is always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your friends and relatives 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 any household goods or personal belongings that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of 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 help to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is 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. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to speed up drying in summertime 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 wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry area. Do not allow draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess 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 suggestions to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home 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 that was used to extinguish the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done 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 create additional 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 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 being on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned items that have been subjected to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer any and all pets to a clean environment until your property has been fully cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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