Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your home can often be traumatic and stressful. 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. (863) 644-7373

  • Of course, it is always 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 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 thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are completed. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several possible 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 complete tasks that can be done 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Never operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist with drying in summertime or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never 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 place. Don’t let draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips

You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for a member of the Paul Davis team to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help handle with the situation:

  • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short time, entry by a person can cause 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 other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never consume food items exposed to smoke or canned products 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 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 has been damaged by storm, mold, fire, water or other disaster, Call Paul!