Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property is most often stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that will help provide a smoother recovery process.
Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (803) 796-4343
- Obviously, it is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your 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 you possibly can.
- Keep a listing of any household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in 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 done. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)
Water Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:
- Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Also, 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 your water meter.
- Electrical: Turn off the power to affected rooms of the house. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
- Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
- Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don’t use the 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 a dry place. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
- Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.
Fire Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help deal with the situation:
- Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house 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 extinguish the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are 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 period of time, entry by a person can create extra damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
- Electronics/Appliances: Don’t use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
- Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
- Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
- Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Don’t eat any 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 double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
- Pets: Transfer all pets to a clean environment until your house has been restored and cleaned.
- Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
- Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.
If your home or business is damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!
