The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your residence is most often is a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. 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.
- Of course, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are all safe.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
- Are you sure your house is 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’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:
- Be Safe: A water event can present several possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Also, 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 the water meter.
- Electrical: Turn off the power to affected areas of the home. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
- Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed up drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
- Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
- Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
- Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to a dry place. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
- Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.
Fire Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are some tips to help handle with the damage:
- Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home safe. Even when 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 diffuse the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
- Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can cause additional damage. It is best to enter the affected area on an as-needed basis and only if absolutely necessary.
- Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
- Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
- Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
- Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Do not eat food exposed to smoke or canned items 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: Move any pets to a clean environment until your home has been completely restored and cleaned.
- 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 fire, storm, water, mold or other disaster, Call Paul at 703-880-3090!