Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (270) 697-9996

  • Of course, it’s extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe 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 can.
  • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is 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 flood. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done so 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the home. Never operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from the wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to dry areas. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of larger 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 helpful tips to help deal with the situation:

  • 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 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 completed 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: 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 your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned products that have been subjected to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Relocate any pets to a clean environment until your home has been fully cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Wash 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 fire, floodwaters, mold, storm or other disasters, Call Paul!