Having to deal with the aftermath of a disaster that has affected your house can be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis provides the following information and tips that should help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. 804-330-9500

    • Obviously, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed 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 and all household goods or personal belongings that you have thrown out 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 repairs and cleanup are complete. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

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

      • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done so 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 your water meter.
      • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the house. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to aid in drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
      • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
      • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry area. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

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

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the home 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 that was used to put out the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes 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 create more 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 checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not eat food items 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 two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
      • Pets: Transport any and all pets to a clean environment until your house has been fully 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 is damaged by fire, water, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!