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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (570) 402-2300

    • Obviously, 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 let them know you are safe.
    • Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can.
    • Keep a listing of any household goods or personal belongings that you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.
    • Is your house safe? Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to relocate temporarily until the repairs and cleanup are done. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Water Damage Tips
You’ve 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: Water events can present many possible safety hazards to residents. 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 the power to affected rooms of the house. Don’t operate the television or other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets.
      • Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner to aid in 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 the vacuum cleaner.)
      • Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove all colored rugs or Oriental rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
      • Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to a dry area. Don’t allow draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
      • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of large furniture. Wipe any excess water off of the furniture.

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

      • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home 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, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be completed 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 lead to 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 stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
      • Carpets: Avoid being on carpet when possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
      • Walls/Ceilings: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
      • Doors: Shut all doors in affected rooms to contain smoke odors as much as possible.
      • Food Items: Do not eat any food exposed to smoke or canned products that have been subjected to excessive heat.
      • Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower is operating. Tape two pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
      • Pets: Transport 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 home or business has been damaged by storm, fire, mold, water or other disaster, Call Paul!