Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your home can often be stressful and 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. (775) 825-7856

• Obviously, it’s always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that 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 you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
• 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 completed. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

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

Be Safe

A water event can present many possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.

Water Source

It is very 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 the power to affected areas of the home. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.

Air Conditioning

Turn the air conditioner on to speed up drying in summertime or in more humid regions.

Floors

Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)

Carpeting

Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.

Clothing/Fabrics

Move wet items to dry places. Don’t let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.

Furniture

Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any excess 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 suggestions to help deal with the damage:

Be Safe

Never reenter affected areas of the home 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 used to diffuse the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.

Going Back Inside

The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can cause more 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 TV, stereo 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 “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.

Ceilings/Walls

Do not 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

Do not eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been subjected 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 home has been restored and cleaned.

Plants

Wash 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 has been damaged by fire, mold, water, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!