Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property can be traumatic and stressful. 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. (410) 730-7260

  • Of course, it is 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 all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded 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 complete. (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 some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done so 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 rooms of the house. Don’t operate your TV 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 summertime or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never 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: Relocate wet items to a dry area. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle with the situation:

  • 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 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 are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can cause extra damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never eat food items exposed to smoke or canned items 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: Transport all pets to a safe environment until your house has been completely 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 has been damaged by mold, fire, water, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!