Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your house is most often a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that will help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. 989-894-4450

  • Of course, it is always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to let them know you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of 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’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Do not operate the television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed up drying during the summer or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never 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: Transport wet items to a dry area. Don’t let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • 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 a member of the Paul Davis team to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property 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 used to diffuse the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can lead to additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Do not use any TV, stereo or other electrical 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 being on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never consume food 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: Transport any pets to a safe environment until your house has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Rinse 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, fire, water, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!