Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your residence can be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (267) 202-6470

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget 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 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 home.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs 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 Paul Davis to arrive, listed below are some 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 real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected rooms of the home. Don’t operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist with drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to dry areas. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 cuts and scrapes 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 small amount 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.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Do not 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 walking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t consume food items exposed to smoke or canned items that have been exposed 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: Move any pets to a safe environment until your home has been completely 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 home or business has been damaged by fire, water, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!