Helpful Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your house can be a traumatic situation filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that will help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (414) 383-3131

  • Of course, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe 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 can.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are completed. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

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

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several 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 complete 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 the power to affected rooms of the property. Never operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don’t use the 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: Move wet items to dry places. Don’t let 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 bigger furniture. Wipe any residual 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 handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home 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 extinguish the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completed safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can lead to extra damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty 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 “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned items 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: Relocate any and all pets to a clean environment until your property has been cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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