Property Damage Recovery Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (513) 657-4999 | (859) 534-9393

  • Obviously, it is always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are unharmed 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 possible.
  • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
  • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are completed. (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 some tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: A water event can present several possible 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 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. Do not operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to dry areas. Don’t allow draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap 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 us to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help handle with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property completely safe. Even when 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 scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period of time, entry by a person can cause 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 TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked 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 walking or tracking on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to confine smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t consume food exposed to smoke or canned products that have been subjected to excessive heat.
  • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
  • Pets: Transfer any pets to a safe environment until your house has been fully cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

If your business or home is damaged by fire, water, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!