Property Damage Recovery Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs: 918-663-5848

  • Of course, it is extremely important to be 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 all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs 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 Paul Davis to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist with drying in the summer or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry place. Don’t let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any residual 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 tips to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home completely safe. Even after 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 scraped and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can lead to more damage. It is best to enter the affected area on a mandatory basis and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Never use any stereo, TV or other electrical 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 “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat food exposed to smoke or canned items that have been exposed to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Relocate any and all pets to a safe environment until your house has been completely restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Rinse 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 water, fire, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!