Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (718) 983-5035

  • Of course, it is extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your relatives and friends to assure them that you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out 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 Paul Davis to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of possible 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected rooms of the property. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to speed up drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Dispose of 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 a dry area. Don’t allow draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of larger 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 tips to help deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the scene completely 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 can be 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.
  • Electronics/Appliances: 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 being on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Do not eat food items exposed to smoke or any canned items that have been subjected 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: Relocate any and all pets to a clean environment until your property 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 business or home has been damaged by fire, water, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!