Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property can be a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that can help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. 608-839-4100

  • Obviously, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives 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 you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup 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 us to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done 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 areas of the property. Never operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to speed up drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never 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: Relocate wet items to a dry place. Do not let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess 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 suggestions to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home completely safe. Even after 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 scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can cause 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 any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never eat 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: Relocate any pets to a clean environment until your property has been fully cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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