Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. 812-234-7285

  • Of course, it’s always important to be 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 any household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the 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, 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 very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Don’t operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed up drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to dry areas. Don’t let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • 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’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house 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 water used to put out 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 cause 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 inspected by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of 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 and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t eat food exposed to smoke or canned products that have been exposed 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: Transport all pets to a safe environment until your house has been fully restored and cleaned.
  • 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 water, mold, storm, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!