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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (636) 324-4011

    • Of course, it’s extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are unharmed and that you contact your relatives and friends to let them know 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 in 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 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 us to arrive, listed below are some tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: Water events can present many possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only complete tasks that can be done 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: Be sure to turn off all power to affected rooms of the property. Do not operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to aid in drying in summertime or in humid areas of the country.
      • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never 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 dry places. Don’t allow draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

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

      • Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home completely safe. Even after the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from water used to extinguish the fire, as well as scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very 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 period of 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.
      • Electronics/Appliances: Don’t any stereo, TV or other electrical 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 with a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close doors in affected rooms to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Never eat any food exposed to smoke or any canned goods 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 any and all pets to a safe environment until your property has been restored and cleaned.
      • Plants: Wash plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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