Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has affected your home can often be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that will help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (614) 367-9611

  • Of course, it is always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your friends and relatives to let them know you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are finished. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present many potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done 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 areas of the house. Do not operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in summertime or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to a dry area. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are some suggestions to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 extinguish the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can cause more damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Never use any TV, stereo 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 on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat food items exposed to smoke or any canned goods 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 pets to a clean environment until your house has been completely cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean 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 has been damaged by fire, storm, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!