Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your home is most often traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that can help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (403)342-4666

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure 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 possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in 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 us to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very 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 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 the power to affected rooms of the home. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet 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 beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for a member of the Paul Davis team 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 property safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from the water used to put out the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very 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 short period of time, entry by a person can cause extra 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 TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. 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 “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned products 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: Transfer any and all pets to a safe environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
  • 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 storm, fire, water, mold or other disaster, Call Paul!