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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (325) 307-1157

    • Obviously, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to inform them that you are 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 property.
    • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs 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 help to arrive, listed 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 real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform 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 the water meter.
      • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the property. Don’t operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed up drying during the summer or in regions with more humidity.
      • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not 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: Relocate wet items to a dry place. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of bigger 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 helpful tips to help deal with the situation:

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home completely safe. Even when 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, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can lead to more damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
      • Electronics/Appliances: Never use any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not consume food exposed to smoke or any canned items 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: Transport any and all pets to a safe environment until your property has been restored and cleaned.
      • Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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