Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property is most often traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that can help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (410) 219-9160

  • Of course, it is extremely important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to let them know you are safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
  • Keep a listing of any 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 amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are finished. (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 potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle 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 your water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected rooms of the property. Don’t operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet 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. Don’t let draperies to remain 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 bigger furniture. Wipe any residual 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 suggestions to help deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house 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 water that was used to extinguish the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short 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: Never use any stereo, TV 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 using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never consume food exposed to smoke or canned products 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: Relocate all pets to a clean environment until your property 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 business or home has been damaged by water, mold, storm, fire or other disaster, Call Paul!