The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your home is most often is a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis shares the following information and tips that should help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (650) 445-4221

    • Of course, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget 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 and all household goods or personal belongings you have thrown out 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 done. (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, falls and electric shock are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done so 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 the water meter.
      • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected rooms of the house. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist with drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
      • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use the 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: Transport wet items to a dry place. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. 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 handle with the damage:

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home 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 diffuse the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be completed safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are 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: Don’t any stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not consume any food exposed to smoke or canned items 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 pets to a clean environment until your house has been cleaned and restored.
      • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, 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!