Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your property can be stressful and often, traumatic. Paul Davis shares the following tips and information that should help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (518) 885-8900

    • Obviously, 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 all safe.
    • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
    • Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
    • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup 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, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: A water event can present several potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform 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 your water meter.
      • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Do not operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
      • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not 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: Transport wet items to dry areas. Don’t let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under 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 Paul Davis to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help handle with the situation:

      • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house 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 the water that was used to diffuse the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are 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.
      • Electronics/Appliances: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked 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.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not eat food exposed to smoke or any canned products that have been subjected 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: Move all pets to a clean environment until your house has been restored and cleaned.
      • Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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