Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your residence can be a traumatic situation filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that can help provide a smoother recovery process.
Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (205) 687-0556
- Obviously, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget 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 personal belongings or goods you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
- Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are finished. (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: A water event can present a lot of potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, 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 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 your water meter.
- Electrical: Turn off the power to affected areas of the property. Don’t operate your television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
- Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in the summer or in regions with more humidity.
- Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use a 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. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
- Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of larger 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 helpful tips to help deal with the situation:
- Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house 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 that was used to diffuse 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 aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of 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.
- Electronics/Appliances: Never use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
- Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
- Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
- Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Do not eat any food exposed to smoke or canned items that have been subjected to excessive heat.
- Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
- Pets: Move any and all pets to a safe 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 home or business has been damaged by water, fire, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!