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 offers the following information and tips that should help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (978) 710-8161

    • Of course, it’s always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are all safe.
    • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
    • Keep a listing of all 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 extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the cleanup and repairs are finished. (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 many potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips, falls and electric shock are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done 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 your water meter.
      • Electrical: Be sure to turn off all power to affected areas of the house. Never operate your television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to assist drying in summertime or in more humid regions.
      • 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 Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to dry places. Do not 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 beneath the legs of bigger furniture. Wipe any extra 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 suggestions to help deal with the situation:

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home 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 extinguish 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 can be measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short 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: Don’t any TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been inspected 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 on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut doors in affected areas to restrict smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not consume any food exposed to smoke or any 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 all pets to a safe environment until your house has been restored and cleaned.
      • Plants: Rinse 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 water, fire, mold, storm or other disaster, Call Paul!