Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. 469-289-6376

  • Obviously, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure 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 it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • 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 complete. (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, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present many potential 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 perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is 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: Turn off the power to affected rooms of the house. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in the summer or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet 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 allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: 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 used to put out the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can lead to more 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 stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a professional. 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 or tracking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t consume 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: Transfer all pets to a safe environment until your house has been completely cleaned and restored.
  • 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 is damaged by fire, water, storm, mold or other disaster, Call Paul!