Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (574) 546-4440

    • Of course, it is always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget 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 it is possible.
    • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your home.
    • Are you sure your house is safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are done. (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, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: A water event can present several potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so safely.
      • Water Source: It is very 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 the water meter.
      • Electrical: Turn off all power to affected areas of the property. Never operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on 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. (Do not use a vacuum cleaner.)
      • Carpeting: Blot wet carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to dry areas. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of bigger 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: Never reenter affected areas of the house 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 the 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 completely safely.
      • Going Back Inside: The aftermath of fire damage can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short 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 your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not consume any food exposed to smoke or canned goods that have been exposed 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: Relocate any pets to a safe environment until your property 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 home or business has been damaged by fire, water, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!