Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your home can be traumatic and stressful. 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. (772) 340-2080

    • Of course, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your friends and relatives to assure them that you are safe.
    • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
    • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings 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 Paul Davis to arrive, below are helpful 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 real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done 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 the water meter.
      • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected rooms of the home. Do not operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to speed up drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
      • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Never 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: Transfer wet items to dry areas. Don’t allow draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under 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 a member of the Paul Davis team to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property 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 put out the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The effects 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.
      • Electronics/Appliances: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical 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 with a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Never eat food 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: Relocate any pets to a clean environment until your home has been completely restored and cleaned.
      • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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