Helpful Tips For Dealing With A Disaster

The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your residence is most often is a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that can help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (440) 834-1155

  • Of course, it is always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your relatives and friends to assure them that you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as 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 extent of the 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, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present many possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle 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: Turn off all power to affected rooms of the home. Don’t operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don’t 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 dry areas. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of large furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some tips 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 the water used to extinguish the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can lead to additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked 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.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t eat any food exposed to smoke or 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: Transfer any pets to a clean environment until your home 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 is damaged by fire, water, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!