Boise, Idaho Water and Fire Damage Tips

The aftermath of any disaster that has directly affected your home can often be traumatic and stressful. Paul Davis offers the following information and tips that can help the recovery process go smoother.

Contact Paul Davis for all your property damage needs. (208) 888-0850

Of course, 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 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 you have thrown out 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 cleanup and repairs are finished. (Notify your insurance company if this is the case.)

Boise, Idaho 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: Water events can present several potential safety hazards to occupants. The potential for electric shock and slips and falls are real. Remember, items soaked with water can be very heavy. Only perform tasks that can be done so 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 your water meter.
Electrical: Be sure to turn off the power to affected areas of the property. Don’t operate your TV or other electrical appliances while you are standing on wet carpets or floors.
Air Conditioning: Turn your air conditioner on to aid in drying in the summer or in humid areas of the country.
Floors: Get rid of as much standing water as possible, using towels or a mop. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner.)
Carpeting: Blot soaked carpeting with clean, white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.
Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry area. Do not let draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting.
Furniture: Move lighter pieces away from the carpeting. Place plastic bags or plastic wrap under the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any extra water off of the furniture.

Boise, Idaho Fire Damage Tips

You have suffered a fire loss. While you are waiting for Paul Davis to arrive, below are some helpful tips to help handle with the damage:

Be Safe: You should never reenter affected areas of the house until fire officials have deemed the home completely safe. Even when 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, and scrapes and cuts from exposed, sharp edges are real. Only perform tasks that can be done completely safely.
Going Back Inside: The aftermath 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 stereo, TV or other electrical appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the electricity is turned off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop the doors open using a rolled towel.
Carpets: Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if at all possible. Do not use “DIY” home carpet cleaners.
Walls/Ceilings: Do not attempt to wipe or wash ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
Doors: Close doors in affected areas to limit smoke odors as much as possible.
Food Items: Don’t consume food items exposed to smoke or any canned items 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: Transport all pets to a clean environment until your property has been cleaned and restored.
Plants: Clean plants with water and mild soap, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
Windows: If possible, open windows to ventilate.

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