Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your property can be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that should help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. 859-885-7653

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe 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 any and all household goods or personal belongings that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are finished. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls 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 the power to affected rooms of the home. Don’t operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don’t use the 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: Move wet items to a dry place. Don’t allow draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of large furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some tips to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the scene completely safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water that was used to diffuse 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 effects of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short 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: Don’t use any TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected 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 being on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t eat food 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 double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer all pets to a safe environment until your home has been completely cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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