Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (901) 373-5394

  • Obviously, it is 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 all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any and all household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are done. (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, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so safely.
  • Water Source: It is 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 all power to affected areas of the house. Never operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use a 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: Relocate wet items to dry places. Don’t let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of bigger 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 helpful tips to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the scene safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water that was used to extinguish the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage can be 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.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Never use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected 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 being 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 all doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never consume 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 any and all pets to a safe environment until your house has been cleaned and restored.
  • 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 has been damaged by storm, water, mold, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!