Helpful Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has affected your home can often be stressful and traumatic. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (505) 471-1357

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to be 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 all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded 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 complete. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips

You have suffered a water loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, 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. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so 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 areas of the house. Don’t operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to aid indrying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Do not use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Clothing/Fabrics: Relocate wet items to a dry place. Do not let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of larger 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 deal with the situation:

  • Be Safe: 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 used to put out the fire, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a small amount of time, entry by a person can create more damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Electronics/Appliances: Never 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 using a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” 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 eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned items 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: Transport all pets to a safe environment until your house has been completely cleaned and restored.
  • Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
  • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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