Helpful Tips

The aftermath of a disaster that has directly affected your property can be a traumatic situation that is filled with stress and uncertainty. Paul Davis offers the following tips and information that will help provide a smoother recovery process.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (218) 727-8588

  • Of course, it’s always important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are secure and that you contact your friends and relatives to inform them that you are 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.
  • 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 completed. (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, below are helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Water events can present several potential safety hazards to residents. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle 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 areas of the home. Do not operate the television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to speed up drying in summertime or in regions with more humidity.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (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: Relocate wet items to dry areas. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags 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 a member of the Paul Davis team to arrive, below are some suggestions to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the scene 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 diffuse 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 small amount of time, entry by a person can create additional damage. Enter ONLY if emergency personnel have cleared the property and deemed it safe to enter and only if absolutely necessary.
  • Appliances/Electronics: 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 with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
  • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never eat food items 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: Move all pets to a safe environment until your home has been restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Rinse 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!