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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (270) 957-8911

  • Of course, it is always 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 you can.
  • Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are done. (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: A water event 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 so safely.
  • Water Source: It is very 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 all power to affected rooms of the house. Do not operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to dry places. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help handle with the damage:

  • 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 the water that was used to diffuse the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completed safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can cause 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 TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected rooms to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t consume food items exposed to smoke or canned products 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 house has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

If your business or home is damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!