Helpful Tips
Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property is most often traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that should help the recovery process go smoother.
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- Of course, it’s always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your relatives and friends to assure them that you are safe.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
- Keep a listing of any and all household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
- 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 have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:
- Be Safe: Water events can present several possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete 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 the power to affected areas of the house. Never operate your TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
- Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to speed up drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
- Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don't use a vacuum cleaner.)
- Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
- Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to a dry place. Don't let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
- Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual 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 deal with the situation:
- Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house 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 water used to diffuse the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely 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 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 professional. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
- Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
- Ceilings/Walls: Don't wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
- Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Don't consume food exposed to smoke or canned items that have been exposed 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: Relocate any pets to a clean environment until your house has been restored and cleaned.
- Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
- Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.
If your home or business is damaged by water, storm, mold, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!