Helpful Tips
Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your house is most often a traumatic situation filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that will help the recovery process go smoother.
Contact Paul Davis For All Your Property Damage Needs.
- Obviously, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to assure them that you are all safe.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
- Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are complete. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)
Water Damage Tips
You have 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
Water events can present several potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls 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 the water meter.
ELECTRICAL
Turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Do not operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
AIR CONDITIONING
Turn the air conditioner on to assist with drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
FLOORS
Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use the 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
Transfer wet items to dry areas. Don’t let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
FURNITURE
Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any excess 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
You should 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 water that was used to diffuse 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 aftermath of fire damage can be 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.
ELECTRONICS/APPLIANCES
Don’t 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 with a rolled towel.
CARPETS
Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if 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 all doors in affected areas to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
FOOD ITEMS
Never consume food items exposed to smoke or canned items that have been subjected to excessive heat.
FURNACE
Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
PETS
Relocate 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
Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.
If your home or business is damaged by storm, fire, water, mold or other disaster, Call Paul!