Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (828) 687-7766

  • Of course, it is always important to make 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 it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs 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 help to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present many possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done safely.
  • Water Source: It is very 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: Turn off the power to affected rooms of the property. Never 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 the summer or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Never 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: Move wet items to a dry place. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any extra 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 deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: You should 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 diffuse the fire, and scrapes 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 can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount 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.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Never use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is turned 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.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never consume any food exposed to smoke or any 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: Transfer all pets to a safe environment until your property has been fully restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Clean 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 water, storm, fire, mold or other disaster, Call Paul!