The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property can be 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. 303-322-3328

  • Obviously, it’s always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives 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 that 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 cleanup and repairs are complete. (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 a lot of potential 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 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the 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 assist with drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Never use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to a dry area. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any extra 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 suggestions to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house 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 water used to diffuse 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 small amount of time, entry by a person can lead to extra 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 technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned products 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: Relocate all pets to a safe environment until your house has been completely restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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