Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your residence can often be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (770) 534-7476

  • Of course, it is always important to make 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 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 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 water loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of possible safety hazards to residents. 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 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 property. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
  • 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 Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to a dry area. Do not let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of bigger 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 damage:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home completely 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, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are 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: Never 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 using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never eat food items exposed to smoke or any canned goods 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: Move all pets to a clean environment until your property has been completely restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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