Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property can be a traumatic situation filled with uncertainty and stress. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that will help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (706) 733-2331

    • Obviously, it is always important to make 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 it is possible.
    • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your home.
    • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are complete. (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, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Remember, 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 the water meter.
      • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected rooms of the home. Don’t operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist drying in the summer or in regions with more humidity.
      • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use the 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: Transfer wet items to a dry area. Don’t let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of large furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

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

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property completely safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to put out the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completed 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 any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been inspected 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 “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to focus 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 furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
      • Pets: Transport any pets to a safe environment until your home has been fully 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 business or home has been damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!