Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of any disaster that has affected your home can often be a traumatic situation filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (919) 331-2030

  • 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 let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly 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 amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs 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 help to arrive, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete 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 all power to affected rooms of the house. Never operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed updrying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never 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: Move wet items to dry areas. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any extra 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 suggestions to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home completely safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from the water that was used to diffuse the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period 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.
  • Appliances/Electronics: 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 walking on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never 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 all pets to a safe environment until your house has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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