Dealing with the aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your house can be a traumatic situation filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that should help the recovery process go smoother.
Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (651) 243-0737
- Of course, it is extremely important to make 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 safe.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
- 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 cleanup and repairs are finished. (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 several possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete 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: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the property. Never operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
- Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to aid in drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
- Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use a 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: Move wet items to a dry area. Don’t let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
- Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under 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 us to arrive, below are some suggestions to help deal with the situation:
- Be Safe: 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 the water that was used to extinguish the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very 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 lead to additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
- Appliances/Electronics: Don’t any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If the electricity is 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.
- Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
- Doors: Close doors in affected areas to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or any 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: Transfer any and all pets to a clean environment until your property has been completely 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 has been damaged by fire, storm, water, mold or other disaster, Call Paul!