Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (208) 522-7374

  • Obviously, it is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed 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 any household goods or personal belongings that you have discarded 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 repairs and cleanup 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, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done so 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected rooms of the property. Do not operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to speed up drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not 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: Transfer wet items to a dry area. Don’t allow draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of bigger 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 helpful tips to help deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home completely 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 that was used to diffuse the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done 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 create additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Never use any TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. If the electricity is turned off, empty 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 wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat food items exposed to smoke or any canned items that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Relocate any pets to a safe environment until your property has been completely restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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