Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your home can often be a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that will help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. 1-866-323-7285

  • Of course, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your relatives and friends to inform them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Is your house 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 some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible 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 complete tasks that can be done so safely.
  • Water Source: It is 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: Turn off all power to affected rooms of the house. Don’t operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don’t use a 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: Transport wet items to dry areas. Do not allow draperies to stay 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 residual 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 situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home completely safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to put out the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can cause more 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 checked 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 at all 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 food items exposed to smoke or any canned goods 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: Transport any pets to a safe environment until your house has been fully cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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