Helpful Tips
Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your residence is most often traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that can help the recovery process go smoother.
Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (208) 522-7374
- Of course, it is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to inform them that you are all 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.
- Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are completed. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)
Water Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:
Be Safe
A water event can present several possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done 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 your water meter.
Electrical
Turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Don’t operate your television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
Air Conditioning
Turn your air conditioner on to speed up drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
Floors
Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use the vacuum cleaner.)
Carpeting
Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
Clothing/Fabrics
Transfer wet items to dry places. Do not let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
Furniture
Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under 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 a member of the Paul Davis team to arrive, below are some suggestions to help deal with the situation:
Be Safe
Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property completely 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 put out the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
Going Back Inside
The effects 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.
Appliances/Electronics
Do not use any TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
Carpets
Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
Walls/Ceilings
Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
Doors
Close all doors in affected areas to limit 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 furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
Pets
Move any and all pets to a safe environment until your house has been completely restored and cleaned.
Plants
Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
Windows
If possible, open windows to ventilate.
If your business or home has been damaged by storm, water, mold, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!