Property Damage Recovery Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. 505-884-5583

  • 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 relatives and friends to inform them that you are all safe.
  • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
  • Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods that you have thrown out and receipts for any expenses you incur while protecting your property.
  • 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 complete. (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 helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present a lot of potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle tasks that can be done so 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Turn off all power to affected areas of the home. Don’t operate the TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet floors or carpets.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to assist drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use the 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: Transfer wet items to a dry place. Do not allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under 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 handle 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 the water that was used to diffuse the fire, as well as 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 lead to extra 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 stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been inspected 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 if possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Close doors in affected areas to focus smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Don’t eat food items exposed to smoke or any 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: Transport any pets to a clean environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
  • 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 is damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!