Helpful Tips
The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your residence is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that should help provide a smoother recovery process.
Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (352) 533-4636
- Of course, it’s always important to be 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 you can.
- Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings 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 amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are done. (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, 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 electric shock and slips and falls are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform 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 your water meter.
- Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the house. Never operate your TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
- Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to aid indrying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
- Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use the vacuum cleaner.)
- Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
- Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to a dry area. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
- Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess 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 helpful tips to help deal with the damage:
- Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the property safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water that was used to put out the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done 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 cause additional 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 professional. 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 when 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 doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Never eat food items exposed to smoke or any 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 all pets to a safe environment until your house 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 business or home is damaged by fire, water, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!