Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your property can be a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that should help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (816) 246-1779

    • Of course, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe 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 household goods or personal belongings 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 cleanup and repairs are finished. (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 many potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Keep in mind, 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 your water meter.
      • Electrical: Turn off all power to affected rooms of the house. Never operate your television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist with drying during 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 a 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: Relocate wet items to dry places. Do not allow draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of larger 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 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 scene 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 put out the fire, as well as cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can create additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
      • Appliances/Electronics: Do not use 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 being on carpet if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut doors in affected rooms to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not consume any food exposed to smoke or any 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: Relocate any and all 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 home or business has been damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!