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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (410) 737-8505

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

      • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to residents. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are very real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform 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 all power to affected rooms of the house. Don’t operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to speed up drying in the summer or in more humid regions.
      • Floors: Dispose of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Do not 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: Transport wet items to dry places. Don’t let 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 large furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You’ve suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for help to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the situation:

      • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the property 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, 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 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: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is 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 at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close all doors in affected rooms to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not eat food items exposed to smoke or any canned goods that have been exposed to excessive heat.
      • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
      • Pets: Move any pets to a safe environment until your house has been fully cleaned and restored.
      • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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