Helpful Tips

Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your residence can be stressful and often, traumatic. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that can help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (850) 576-7378

    • Obviously, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure 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 personal belongings or goods that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
    • 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 completed. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips
You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
      • Water Source: It is very 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected rooms of the home. Don’t operate your television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to speed up drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
      • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
      • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to a dry place. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.

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

      • 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 the water used to put out the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very 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 period of 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.
      • Appliances/Electronics: Don’t any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been inspected by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not eat food exposed to smoke or 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 any pets to a safe environment until your home has been cleaned and restored.
      • Plants: Rinse plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

If your business or home has been damaged by water, fire, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!