The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your residence can often be a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that should help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (631) 434-1717

    • Of course, it’s always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your friends and relatives to assure them that you are safe.
    • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
    • Keep a listing of any and all household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
    • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the amount of 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’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for help 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 slips and falls and electric shock are real. Also, 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 your water meter.
      • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected rooms of the house. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist with drying in summertime or in more humid regions.
      • 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 all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to dry places. Do not 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 residual water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some suggestions to help deal with the situation:

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 put out the fire, and cuts and scrapes 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 period of time, entry by a person can lead to extra 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 stereo, TV or other electrical 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 walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close all doors in affected rooms to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not consume any food exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been exposed 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: Transport any and all pets to a safe environment until your house has been fully cleaned and restored.
      • Plants: Clean 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 is damaged by fire, water, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!