Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property can be stressful and often, traumatic. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that can help provide a smoother recovery process.
Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (800) 408-3290
- Of course, it’s always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are safe.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Keep a listing of any and all household personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
- Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of 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 help to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:
- Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the home. Never operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
- Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
- Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
- Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
- Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry place. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
- 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 deal with the situation:
- Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to extinguish the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completed 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 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 turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
- Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
- Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
- Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Do not consume food exposed to smoke or canned items that have been subjected 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: Relocate any and all pets to a clean environment until your home has been fully cleaned and restored.
- Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
- Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.
If your home or business has been damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!
