Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your house can be stressful and 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. (239) 337-2500

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to inform 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 personal belongings or goods you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup 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 us to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of potential safety hazards to residents. 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 shut 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 house. Do not operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with 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 soaked 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. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene 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, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completely 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 create extra 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 TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. 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 when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t consume any food exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner 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 house has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Rinse 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 storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!