Hurricane Cleanup Do's and Don'ts!

Here at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ, we hope you, your family and your home are safe and sound after hurricane Irene charged through northern New Jersey this weekend. While we understand that you probably want to jump right in to cleaning up and getting things back to normal as soon as possible, there are some things that you must consider to stay safe during the clean up process. Here are some "do's and don'ts" for your storm cleanup.

DO- Contact your insurance agent immediately and provide them with a temporary phone number and address where you can be reached.

DO - Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most companies have a toll-free call center number or you can report the loss to your agent.

DO - remove perishable foods from your refrigerator and freezer. The odor created by spoiled food is usually impossible to remove.

DO - be aware of wires that may have been pulled down by wind or falling tree limbs. DO - keep a listing of anything you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.

DO- Remember to be safe. Many injuries from storms actually occur during the cleanup process. Please do not take any unnecessary risks.

DON'T- go right for the shop vac. While most people think a dry vac is the perfect way to tend to water welling up in your home, people also have a tendency to forget that it is an electrical appliance, and if you are dealing with a substantial amount of water, it could be dangerous. Resort to the shop vac for small spots etc. but remember that electrical appliance with large amounts of water can be very hazardous.

DON'T- reach for the bleach. Bleach is typically regarded as the end all and be all for cleaning up large household messes. Most people will look to wash floors with bleach once flood waters recede from inside your home. Go for dish-washing liquid and warm water instead. Bleach leaves a residue that could cause mold growth that will be hazardous to your health.

DON'T- be afraid to call the professionals. You may be worried that having a professional restoration company come remedy the problem will be expensive but in most cases a large portion of their services are covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. This is the best way to guarantee that the job is done professionally and correctly and save your family and your home from future problems.

We understand that you want to return your home to it's previous condition as quickly and easily as possible. Here at Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ, it is our personal mission to help you accomplish that as quickly and conveniently as possible. If there is anything we can do to help either by providing you with information, education or service, please contact us immediately.