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 offers the following information and tips that will help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (386) 760-8959

    • Of course, it is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe and that you contact your relatives and friends to inform 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 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 amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are finished. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips
You have 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 many potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done so 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the house. Never operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to speed up drying in summertime or in more humid regions.
      • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use a 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 dry areas. Do not allow draperies to remain 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 extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You have 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 home until fire officials have deemed the home 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 cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can lead to 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 inspected by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Don’t eat food exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been exposed to excessive heat.
      • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
      • Pets: Transfer all pets to a safe environment until your house has been fully cleaned and restored.
      • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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