Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your house is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis shares 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 make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your friends and relatives to let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods 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 finished. (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: Water events can present several possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected rooms of the property. Don't operate your television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never 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: Move wet items to dry areas. Don't let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any excess 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 tips to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home 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 diffuse the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can create extra damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Never use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never 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 double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transport all pets to a clean environment until your property has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Wash 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 storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!