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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (508) 430-8100

    • Of course, it’s always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe 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 personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out 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 done. (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 a lot of potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so safely.
      • Water Source: It is 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 the power to affected rooms of the property. Don’t operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist with drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
      • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)
      • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to a dry area. Don’t 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 beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

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

      • Be Safe: 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 water used to put out the fire, and 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 additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
      • Electronics/Appliances: Don’t any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close all doors in affected rooms to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Don’t eat food exposed to smoke or any canned items that have been exposed 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 property has been completely restored and cleaned.
      • Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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