The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your house can be a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis provides the following tips and information that can help provide a smoother recovery process.
Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (802) 472-1479
- Obviously, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know you are all safe.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
- Keep a listing of any and all household personal belongings or goods you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
- Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the 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 us to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:
- Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done 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: Turn off the power to affected areas of the home. Never operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
- Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist with drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
- Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)
- Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
- Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to dry places. Don’t allow draperies to stay in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
- Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any residual water off of the furniture.
Fire Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for us to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help deal with the damage:
- Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the property completely safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to put out the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
- Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can lead to more 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 checked by a technician. 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 walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
- Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
- Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
- Food Items: Don’t consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned goods 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: Transfer all pets to a clean environment until your home has been completely restored and cleaned.
- Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
- Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.
If your business or home is damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!
