Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (970) 328-2705

  • Of course, it is extremely important to make 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 any and all household personal belongings or goods you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
  • 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 complete. (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 several possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so 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: Turn off the 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 on your air conditioner to speed up drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry place. Do not allow draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some suggestions to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water that was used to put out 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 effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can create 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 TV, stereo or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. 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 when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to localize 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: Transport any pets to a safe environment until your property has been cleaned and restored.
  • 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 home or business has been damaged by fire, mold, storm, water or other disaster, Call Paul!