Everything You Need to Know About Disaster Recovery Steps

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

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (330) 920-1936

  • Obviously, it’s extremely important to be sure you and your family (and don’t forget your pets) are safe 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 it is possible.
  • Keep a listing of any and 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 finished. (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 a lot of potential 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 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 the water meter.
  • Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the house. Never operate the TV or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Air Conditioning: Turn the air conditioner on to aid in drying during the summer or in more humid regions.
  • Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Never use the vacuum cleaner.)
  • Carpeting: Blot wet carpet 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. Do not let draperies to stay in contact with wet carpeting or floors.
  • Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpet. Place plastic wrap or plastic bags under 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 us to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help deal with the damage:

  • Be Safe: Never reenter affected areas of the home until fire officials have deemed the property 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 put out the fire, and cuts and scrapes from exposed, sharp edges are very real. Only perform tasks that can be done safely.
  • Going Back Inside: The effects of fire damage are measured down to microscopic levels. Even for a short period 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 TV, stereo or electronic appliances until they have been inspected by a professional. If the electricity is turned off, empty the contents of your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open with a rolled towel.
  • Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
  • Ceilings/Walls: Don’t attempt to wash or wipe ceilings and other absorbent surfaces.
  • Doors: Shut all doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible.
  • Food Items: Never eat food items exposed to smoke or canned products that have been exposed 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 all pets to a clean environment until your house has been completely restored and cleaned.
  • Plants: Rinse plants with water and mild soap, 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!