Helpful Disaster Cleanup Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (561) 478-7272

    • 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 relatives and friends to let them know you are safe.
    • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
    • Keep a listing of all household personal belongings or goods that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
    • Is your house safe? Depending on the amount of 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 Paul Davis to arrive, below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: A water event can present a lot of possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Keep in mind, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done so 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected rooms of the property. Do not operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to assist with drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
      • 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 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 carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under the legs of bigger 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 suggestions to help handle with the situation:

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 used to extinguish 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 lead to additional 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 stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
      • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not eat food items exposed to smoke or 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: Relocate any and all pets to a safe environment until your property has been restored and cleaned.
      • Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, 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!