Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has affected your house is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that can help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. 651-342-0816

  • Obviously, it is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe 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 possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is 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, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present many possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so safely.
  • Water Source: It is very 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the home. Don’t operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to aid indrying in summertime or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t 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: Transfer wet items to dry places. Don’t let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap 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 handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home 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 safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can lead to extra 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 TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t eat food items exposed to smoke or canned goods 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: Transport all pets to a clean environment until your home has been 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 business or home has been damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!