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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (724) 799-8290

    • Of course, it is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure 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 you can.
    • Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods 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 extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup 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 help to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done safely.
      • Water Source: It is very 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: Turn off all power to affected areas of the property. Don’t operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist with drying during the summer or in regions with more humidity.
      • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Never 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: Transfer wet items to dry areas. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of large furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for help 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 completely safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to diffuse 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 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.
      • Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Never eat food exposed to smoke or any canned items 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: Move all pets to a safe environment until your property has been completely 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 has been damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!