Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your home is most often a traumatic situation filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that can help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (484) 273-7867

  • Of course, it is always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in 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 done. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present many possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Never operate your television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t 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: Relocate wet items to dry places. Don’t let draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for a member of the Paul Davis team to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the property 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 extinguish the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are 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 extra damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any stereo, TV or other electrical 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 walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t eat food items 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 two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer all pets to a clean environment until your house has been 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 business or home has been damaged by mold, fire, storm, water or other disaster, Call Paul!