Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your home is most often a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. 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

  • Obviously, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings 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 Paul Davis to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off all power to affected areas of the house. Do not operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist with drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove 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 all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to dry areas. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 used to extinguish the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very 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 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: Don't use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don't wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don't eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been subjected 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 all pets to a clean environment until your house has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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