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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (330) 220-2002

    • Of course, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure 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 possibly can.
    • Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
    • 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 some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very 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: Turn off all power to affected rooms of the property. Never operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying in the summer or in regions with more humidity.
      • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use a vacuum cleaner.)
      • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to dry areas. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of large furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the property completely safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to extinguish the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very 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 short period of time, entry by a person can cause 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 electronic appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Never consume food exposed to smoke or any canned products that have been subjected to excessive heat.
      • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
      • Pets: Transport any and all pets to a clean environment until your property has been fully cleaned and restored.
      • 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 business or home is damaged by fire, storm, water, mold or other disaster, Call Paul!