While often striking at a moment’s notice, disasters can leave a path of destruction that affects more than just your property. This traumatic and stressful time may be eased with proper preparation and understanding of what to do afterward. At Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas, located in Carrollton, Texas, and serving North Dallas and surrounding areas, we specialize in residential and commercial services. Here, we discuss disaster-management tips for safety in schools and homes that can foster a smoother recovery process.
What Should You Do Right After a Disaster?
The events following an emergency can play a crucial role in the recovery process for your family, students, and your property. It is important to try to remain calm in these instances. This sense of calmness will help others feel at ease, as well. There are a few things to initially consider:
- Is everyone accounted for?: Once it is safe to do so, the first thing you should do after an emergency is to make sure everyone is accounted for and secure. This includes people and animals.
- Where is the damage?: Once everyone is in a safe place, it is time to assess the damage across the property in its entirety. And all the damage should be reported to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- What needs to be replaced?: Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be required to part with household items and personal belongings. If so, keep a list of any possessions that needed to be thrown away and hold onto the receipts of any expenses you may sustain afterward.
- Is your structure safe to use?: If the damage is severe, your structure may not be safe to inhabit, and you’ll need to relocate while the necessary repairs are being made. Professionals like Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas, who specialize in disaster cleanup, can assess the property damage and let you know whether it’s OK to enter.
Tips for Water Damage
With the ability to destroy everything in its path, flooding can cause severe damage to your property and structure. To clean and restore a home or school to its original state, enlisting the help of a water damage restoration and repair company likely will be necessary. Some helpful tips to minimize this type of damage include:
- Turn off your water at the source
- Cut the power to rooms that are experiencing water damage
- Turn on a fan or dehumidifier to help with the drying process
- Use a mop or towel to remove as much excess water as possible
- Place all wet items in a dry area, allowing them to air out
- Remove any furniture you can from wet carpeting
When attempting to mitigate the damage, it is important to remain safe every step of the way. Some areas of the floor may be slippery while other areas may pose an electrical hazard – tackle only the tasks that can be performed without injury.
Tips for Fire Damage
Because it can start anywhere in your home or school for several reasons, one can never be fully prepared for a building fire. And this traumatizing experience can often leave you feeling helpless. The fire damage and restoration repair services provided by Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas can help restore your spirits as well as your building. Some of the ways you can help lessen the damage include:
- Close all doors to help contain dangerous smoke and odors
- Throw out any perishable items that were exposed to smoke
- Open all windows to aid in the ventilation process
- Avoid cleaning any walls or ceilings
- Stay off the carpet as much as possible
No one should enter a structure after a fire until it has been cleared by emergency personnel. Also, residents should avoid using appliances and electrical devices until they have been properly examined and deemed safe for use.
Learn More Disaster-Management Tips for Safety in Schools and Homes
While these disaster-management tips for safety in schools and homes are intended to aid in the recovery process, fully restoring your property is easier alongside a team of trained professionals. Located in Carrollton, TX, and proudly serving North Dallas and the surrounding areas, our company provides quality disaster cleaning and restoration services. Contact us today – Paul Davis Restoration of North Dallas is available for 24/7 support.
