Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your residence can often be a traumatic situation that is filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that can help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (704) 399-2488

  • Obviously, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are completed. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, listed 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 slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected rooms of the house. Never operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to aid indrying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to dry areas. Don’t let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

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

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the property 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 that was used to put out the fire, and 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 are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can cause more damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Don’t use any TV, stereo or electronic 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 on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to limit 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 furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Relocate any and all pets to a safe environment until your house has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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