Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your house can be stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that will help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (949) 455-1710

  • Obviously, it is always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed 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 possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are completed. (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 helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is 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: Turn off the power to affected areas of the property. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed updrying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t 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: Relocate wet items to a dry place. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under 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 help to arrive, below are some tips to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 used to diffuse 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 can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can create additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a professional. 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 when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned goods 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: Transport 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 business or home is damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!