Helpful Tips
Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your house can be stressful and often, traumatic. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that will help the recovery process go smoother.
Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (832) 781-0535
- Obviously, it is always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to let them know 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 thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
- 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 done. (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 several potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done 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. Do not operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
- Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed up drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
- Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
- Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet 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 remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
- Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of large furniture. Wipe any extra 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 helpful tips to help handle with the damage:
- Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property 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 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 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.
- Appliances/Electronics: Never use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
- Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
- Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
- Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Do not consume any food exposed to smoke or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
- Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
- Pets: Relocate any pets to a clean environment until your home has been fully cleaned and restored.
- Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
- Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.
If your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!