Helpful Tips

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (630) 778-7285

    • Of course, it is always important to make sure you and your family (and don’t forget pets) are safe and that you contact your friends and relatives to assure them that you are all safe.
    • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you can.
    • Keep a listing of all household goods or personal belongings that you have thrown out 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 done. (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 helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

      • Be Safe: A water event can present many possible safety hazards to occupants. The potential for slips and falls and electric shock are very real. Also, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only handle 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 the water meter.
      • Electrical: Turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Don’t operate the television or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet flooring.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to aid in drying during the summer or in humid areas of the country.
      • Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible, using a mop or towels. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)
      • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpet with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Transport wet items to dry places. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpet. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Fire Damage Tips
You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for a member of the Paul Davis team 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 scene safe. Even when the fire is out, there are potential safety hazards to be aware of. The potential for slips and falls from the water used to put out the fire, as well as 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 period of time, entry by a person can create more 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 inspected by a professional. If the electricity is off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Don’t attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Close all doors in affected areas to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Don’t eat food exposed to smoke or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
      • Furnace: Change the air conditioner or furnace filter if the blower is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
      • Pets: Move any pets to a clean environment until your house has been cleaned and restored.
      • Plants: Clean plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
      • Windows: Open windows to ventilate the area when possible.

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