Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your house can be stressful and often, traumatic. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (972) 454-4330

    • Of course, it is always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are safe.
    • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
    • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods you have thrown out 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 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 Paul Davis to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
      • Water Source: It is 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 your water meter.
      • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the house. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to speed up drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
      • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use the vacuum cleaner.)
      • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to a dry place. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of larger 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 suggestions to help handle with the situation:

      • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property 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 used to extinguish the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can create more 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 stereo, TV or other electrical 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 using a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Never eat food items exposed to smoke or any 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 any and all pets to a clean environment until your house has been 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 home or business is damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!