Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (508) 746-9111

    • Obviously, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure 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 and all household goods or personal belongings that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in 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, listed below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done safely.
      • Water Source: It is very 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the home. Don’t operate the television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying during the summer or in regions with more humidity.
      • Floors: Remove 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 Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to dry places. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any excess 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 suggestions to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the scene safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to diffuse the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completed safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can create more 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 being on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Don’t consume food exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been exposed 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 home has been restored and cleaned.
      • Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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