Top 4 Disastrous Deep South Family Reunion Mistakes

Posted on: 05/11/2012

Summer is the quintessential time to kick back and relax with the people you love, which is probably why so many of us are busy planning family reunions this time of year! In your haste to meet your cousin’s new wife or reconnect with your beloved grandma, you may forget how important it is to find a location that accommodates everyone from Great-Aunt Margaret to your infant nephew. As families grow bigger, logistics also become more complicated. You need to ensure that no unfortunate surprises ruin your joyous gathering. At Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte, your family’s safety is our number one priority. We’ve put together a list of the top four disastrous family reunion scenarios—including hurricanes and heat waves—and how to plan ahead, just in case!

Dangers out and about:

1. The Gulf Coast and Atlantic beaches is a lovely place to hold a reunion, and perhaps it’s a central location for your family. But booking a summer party in the Southeast is a dangerous move—you could find your party interrupted by a hurricane! Southerners know hurricanes can be the most dangerous storms on Earth, so it’s wise to think twice before gathering the family in the hurricane belt between June and November.

2. There’s nothing better than spending a beautiful day outside with those you love! But as Southerners know, heat waves can quickly turn any outdoor activity into a dangerous one. Your reunion’s guests could be at risk for dehydration and potentially-fatal heat strokes if you try to enjoy the beautiful outdoors during a heat wave. Instead, move the party to an indoor location that’s air conditioned to keep your family members safe.

Dangers at home:

3. That same Southern heat wave that kept your reunion out of the park may prevent you from partying in your home, too. Although its best to stay out of direct sunlight during a heat wave, congregating in an un-air conditioned home could cause overheating and heat strokes in your guests, particularly the elderly and very young. If there’s a heat wave underway and your house isn’t air conditioned, make sure you have ample fans to circulate the air or move the party to an air-conditioned facility. If you do have air conditioning, be sure to have your air ducts inspected and cleaned if they haven’t been serviced in a while. Your guests who have asthma and allergy sensitivities will thank you!

4. Perhaps your family chose your Southern vacation home for a gathering to take advantage of your sparkling pool out back. While they provide hours of family-friendly entertainment, swimming pools can be deadly for children and adults alike. It falls to you to protect your guests—once your reunion is underway, make sure there is always significant supervision around the pool and keep horseplay at a minimum to help avoid dangerous situations. Keep a careful eye on those who cannot swim, and consider hiring a professional lifeguard or babysitter as an additional set of eyes.

Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte assists the following communities with water, fire, mold and storm damage clean up and repair: Mecklenburg, Lincoln and Gaston Counties.

Check out our new storm infographic!

Posted on: 05/02/2012

PDR Adds New Technology

Posted on: 05/02/2012

Contact:

Scott Bailey

704.399.2488

scottbailey@pdr-usa.net

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling adds revolutionary contents restoring technology

- Local firm installs first Esporta Wash System in Charlotte, North Carolina -

Charlotte, NC – April 30, 2012 – Scott Bailey, owner of Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte, has expanded the company’s 15,000 square foot contents cleaning facility by adding a revolutionary soft contents restoration technology. According to Bailey, the patented restoration technology, known as the Esporta Wash System ™, enables the restoration of 85 percent more contents than existing technology. Soft contents like clothing, shoes, handbags, and other items that are damaged by smoke, fire, sewer and mold can now be saved instead of being deposited at the local landfill.

“We are very excited to be the first company in Charlotte, NC to utilize this new state of the art

technology,” said Bailey. “We can now restore all manner of articles that would typically be thrown out and we can provide much faster and far simpler contents claim settlements,” he said

In addition to restoring hard and soft content materials typically found in a residential or commercial structure fire or flood, or from vandalism, Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte can assist local schools, hospitals and hotels with cleaning badly stained, contaminated and damaged items to hospital quality standards. The new contents restoration technology is often capable of restoring damaged goods to better than pre-loss condition. According to independent laboratory tests, goods are restored to “food grade cleanliness”. The Esporta Wash System™ kills contaminants and ensures the highest level of hygiene with a patented process that kills 99.99 percent of the harmful bacteria that can be found in home and business soft and hard goods and equipment.

“We are hopeful that our company can assist local schools and universities by cleaning sports gear instead of replacing it. The machine can actually clean helmets, shoulder pads, and all sorts of sports equipment to hospital grade cleanliness,” said Bailey. “The new process is exciting because we can save our schools some money in a time of great budgetary constraints, while providing safe, clean gear for our students,” he said.

According to the Esporta™ manufacturer, the multi-step process does not use potentially harmful ozone gases or environmentally hazardous dry cleaning chemicals. A patented, four-step washing process forces detergents and disinfectants into foam and fabrics while killing and removing fungus, bacteria, mold, and germs that can cause odors and infections in items such as plastic, leather, open and closed foams, rubber and safety reflective tape, and athletic equipment along with law enforcement and firefighter gear, among others.

The Esporta technology was developed and is manufactured in Canada. It was originally intended for hockey gear. The company later discovered the process had superior applications for all types of sports gear and in the soft contents restoration field.

“It’s a ‘feel good’ story for me,” said Bailey. “Our company has already helped many neighbors restore items of sentimental value. We can also assist the community with providing clean and safe sports gear for children and athletes,” he said. “And, as a bonus, we can do it with environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, and a reduction in the amount of discarded items that would have ended up in the landfill.”

For more information, contact Scott Bailey at 704.399.2488 or email scottbailey@pdr-usa.net. Visit the website at www.pdrestorationofcharlotte.com.

Paul Davis Restoration serves customers throughout the United States and provides complete restoration and mitigation services with full-time, highly-trained employees. Services include 24 hour emergency services, mitigation cleaning, structural drying, structural cleaning, electronics cleaning, document recovery and reprocessing, freeze drying, document cleaning, file and x-ray restoration, mold remediation of structures and contents, and complete reconstruction services.

Paul Davis Restoration provides emergency services for properties that have been damaged by water, mold, fire or vandalism. Paul Davis Restoration owners and technicians are trained in Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. IICRC is a non-profit certifying body which includes expertise in the flooring inspection, floor covering, fabric cleaning, and disaster restoration industry of fire and water..

Hillarious Gadgets for Homeowners

Posted on: 04/27/2012

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Homeowners

Prepping the home for warm weather can be a chore that makes the average homeowner drag their feet. But the good news? There may be an interesting product out there tailored to getting the job done for you! At Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte, we’re invested in seeing your family and home receive the quality attention you (and it) deserve. Here, we’ve reviewed a list of four unusual (and sometimes hilarious) home improvement and safety gadgets. Before you get excited—not all of these novelty doodads are up for the “big” tasks that require serious help from home restoration professionals, but we do admit they certainly would make things entertaining around your home! Take a look at these household contraptions that promise to clean up after a thunderstorm, predict hurricanes and keep you safe. Would you use these??

Yard Duty

1. When out-of-towners come to visit in the weeks ahead, will this little robot help mask the fact that a thunderstorm ripped through your neighborhood this past winter? The Kyodo LawnBott is designed so you can “turn it on and walk away” while your yard becomes debris free! Oh, wow! We’re not necessarily convinced that with the hefty price tag ($1199 as of Spring, 2012) this robot is a better bet than a strong back and a wheelbarrow—especially because a lawn after storm season really requires a homeowner’s close inspection. You be the judge!

2. While you’re busy with outdoor home improvement tasks, your pooch probably wants to romp around and play once the weather turns nice. But if you’re a homeowner in the Southeast, poor Fido might get mighty hot during a heat wave! We love the idea behind the Body Cooler pet mat that promises to keep him safe from heat exhaustion while he enjoys the great outdoors. And if the heat wave is affecting you more than you’d care to admit, check out the made-for-humans Body Cooling Vest to strap on while you work the garden! Yes, the neighbors will probably snicker at your matching outfits, but it’s not nearly as ridiculous as their garden gnomes. Right?

3. Were you caught off guard by last year’s (weather event)? A scare like that can make a Weather Glass Barometer sound like a good idea. Although this solution is a relic from the days of the American ancestors, the storm-predicting power of this pretty glass when it’s filled with water is quite impressive (if it works, that is). Air pressure tends to drop during a storm, which causes the liquid in the barometer to rise signaling an impending weather event. Of course, this isn’t a scientific way to prep your home for a storm—always pay attention to warnings and heed the advice of authorities, no matter what weather your barometer predicts!

Indoor Solutions

4. If a storm blew grime all over your hardwood floors, you might have more fun cleaning up in a pair of Slipper Genie cleaning slippers! Simply put on the slippers and walk around your hardwood floors—the microfiber “fingers” pick up dust and hair. But if your home has suffered water damage from a hurricane’s floodwaters, it’s time to hang up the Slipper Genie and pick up the phone and contact a professional to avoid mold, warping, electrical hazards and a cornucopia of other issues that crop up with water damage.

Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte assists the following communities: Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius, Denver, Lincolnton and Gastonia↘.

Childrens Books about Storm Safety

Posted on: 04/21/2012

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in the South

We all know how much joy, love and fun a house full of children can be—but they also get into (and create!) messes at an astounding rate! Even when your whole property is meticulously childproofed, any parent can tell you you’re never totally in the clear. Fatal injuries in the home are still a leading cause of death in the U.S. Yes, maybe teaching your children the basics of home safety is a huge bore, but we here at Paul Davis still think your family’s safety is our number one priority…boring or not! To that end, we’ve compiled a list of four outstanding children’s books to “edu-tain” your little ones! Here’s how families in the South can turn their kids into experts and budding scientists about storms, 9-1-1 emergencies and more!

Emergency Preparedness

1. You hope your child never has to use it, but everyone needs to know to dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. In Impatient Pamela Calls 911 by Mary B. Koski, a little girl learns all about emergencies and when it’s appropriate to dial those three numbers. If you want an effective way to teach your child how to respond to emergencies without scaring him or her, this book is a must-read!

2. Once your child is old enough to stay home alone, a whole new realm of safety issues open up! Dottie Raymer’s A Smart Girl’s Guide to Staying Home Alone teaches older children the basics of staying home without you, including invaluable safety tips and quizzes designed to get them thinking about emergency situations ahead of time. The book also delves into basic first-aid, which can come in handy in the event of a hurricane or flood.

The wild world outdoors

3. Kids who live in the South may be used to thunderstorms, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t afraid of them! Help lessen their fear with Flash, Crash, Rumble and Roll, also by Franklyn M. Branley. The beautifully-illustrated book teaches new readers all about thunderstorms, how to perform your own weather experiments, and, of course, thunderstorm safety.

4. In the warm weather states that are found in the Southeast, outdoor family-friendly gatherings are abundant and more and more people include their furry family members in on the fun. To keep your child safe around dogs, check out Be A Dog’s Best Friend: A Safety Guide for Kids by Renee Payne. It’s told in the voice of 10-year-old Ema, who shares her knowledge of how to safely play with dogs you, do know, steer clear of those you don’t and how to safely approach a new dog. With playful illustrations and lists of dos and don’ts, this fun read will ensure your kid’s next encounter with a dog is full of big, wet, happy kisses.

Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte serves the following cities: Charlotte, Gastonia , Mooresville, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Dallas, Belmont and Lincolnton.

The Psychology Of a Property Loss!

Posted on: 04/16/2012

What goes through your mind when you come home to find your property damaged by fire or smoke from something left on the stove or a candle overturned. These events can be devastating because the world you controlled has come undone! I wanted to take you through the psychology of these type of events and how you can cope and deal with the reality of the situation. You could be out of your home for many months while reconstruction takes place.

Denial and disbelief: Life is hectic enough and the only place you can feel safe from the pressures of the outside world is your home and it is is upside down! Every thing in life is a process and now you will be faced with the overwhelming task of restoring your life and property back to the way it was so you can function normally. It can be overwhelming and is a total shock. What do you do now!

    You are very lucky if there has been no one hurt! Keep your perspective on the situation. Stuff can be replaced but not people!
    Call your insurance company immediately and file a claim. You buy property insurance and that insurance company indemnifies you from any catastrophic financial loss to your home or property. Your insurance company will recommend restoration companies that have been vetted and have a good reputation. The right company will respond day or night to help you get through the initial process and help set a course to restoring your property. Check those companies with the Better Business Bureau before signing a contract for restoration.
    Call your mortgage company by the next day and ask for the loss/draft department. File a claim with you mortgage company. They will hold any insurance funds and release those funds in thirds, The faster you are able to get the administrative paperwork out of the way the faster your home will be restored.

    Gain control of the situation.

Anger: You will experience anger and frustration over the situation. This is normal and you should expect to feel the effects of the stress and complications that will arise while waiting on your insurance adjuster to come review the loss. It will seem like the process takes too much time and energy.

    Reality set in and you will start to feel the effects as time starts to wear on you. You may act out on your frustrations of your predicament. It is best that that you have a support group of family or friends that you can use as a sounding board. Please be careful not to take out harsh reactions on your family or friends.

Bargaining: If only I had been home none of this would have happened. If only I had taken some of the important papers to a lockbox at the bank. If I had only spoken to my kids about the dangers of fire.

    Get grip on the situation and its reality. The situation will improve once you have found temporary living. accommodations. Most insurance companies have a provision for loss of property use and will reimburse you directly for additional living expense. An estimate and scope will be completed by your adjuster. Make sure it is in agreement with the contractor you have selected to complete repairs before moving forward.

Depression: You may experience feelings of depression. You withdraw and isolate yourself because you will feel that you have lost control of your life.

    Depression may creep in because you are feeling helplessness and vulnerability. If you having trouble sleeping contact you doctor and get treatment and evaluation.

Acceptance: You will slowly begin to realize the you have lost control over your property. Make sure the restoration company you select has a schedule of event and that you have of open line of communication. Be a partner to your insurance. you will want to know as schedule of reconstruction. You will have regained control over the situation and have accountability for as to when the work will be completed .

Again, you will need a support group of people to help advise you and help you get though the process.

MY HOPE IS that you are able to Call Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte. We can help you get through thr process. We can salvage many clothing items and toys and stuffed animals. We also can restore hard contents including leather goods with our state of the equipment Make the and call at 704-399-2488.

Call Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte

www.pdrestortionofcharlotte.com

Steps to take if your property suffers a fire!

Posted on: 04/11/2012

Suffering a fire at your property can be devastating and life changing. Your first reactions are from shock and the feelings of being helpless and confused as to what to do next? There will more than likely be a representive from the Redcross there to provide assitance.

Next steps:

Call your insurance company. Most claims centers are open 24 hours a day to assit you. You can access those numbers from a smartphone if you have one or ask a neighbor to look it up for you. Your insurance company will help you through this process. It is a process like eveything else in life. It is important for you to make the right decisions.
Do not go back into the property until the fire department deems the property safe. Fire and resulting smoke can devlop toxins that are floating in the air. You don't want to inhale the contamination into you lungs that can cause health issues.
Call a reputable restoration company to secure your home. Windows and doors need to be boarded up. The roof may need to be tarped to prevent weather from doing further damage.
A fire is a devastating event and it is important that you not to sign any documentation put in front of you at the time of the fire from public adjusters or restoration companies until you have had time to collect your thoughts and developed a plan of action. You need to remain calm and make educated decisions that will best serve you and your family.

Find a place to stay away from the fire damaged property such as a hotel, family or friends. Most insurance policies will cover temporay living expenses. You will need to determine what your policy coverages include. Work with your insurance company and determine what is suitable. Insurance companies call this ALE or Additional Living Expense. You will need a place to stay that is more permanent until your property is repaired.

The next day time is critical to salavge items that have been damaged by smoke and soot. You need to select a company sophisticated enough to begin removing items such as clothing. The longer you wait the less chance you have of saving clothing and hard goods. Sulphuric Acid forms and begins to degrade items that have soot damage. It is critcal that you call a reputable company to get your belongings out of the fire damaged. The company you choose should take pictures and inventory all items removed from the property. Any items deemed unsalvagable must be documented as well so you can be reimbursed by your insurance company. It is preferable to have one company that can handle your loss from mitigation, contents and reconstruction. You will have one phone call to make instead of several. There will be less stress and your claim will be settled faster and more to your satisfaction.
Fire damage mitigation is defined as taking steps to prevent any further damge to your property. It is generally directly to the company that perfoms that work. Your deductible does not get paid until reconstruction starts.

Call Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte when fire or smoke damge occurs at your property.

www.pdrestorationofcharlotte.com

Spring Storms

Posted on: 04/05/2012

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

March comes in like a lion, but it doesn’t really go out like a lamb. Instead, the spring storms that arrive during this time of year depart like St. Patrick’s Day revelers who’ve had too much green beer—it can get a little messy. Since your house is just waking up from a long winter nap, right now it needs extra TLC. Below you’ll find some of the fastest, easiest ways you can get your property ready for the spring storm season. Some of these fixes are DIY projects while others may require professional assistance. Rest assured that Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte is here to help give your home a springtime makeover in preparation for the boisterous weather ahead.

Things That Go Boom in the Night

With thunderstorms, it’s not really the thunder that gets you—it’s the rain. The South often suffers through copious downpours in the spring. Warm, moisture-laden air travels over most of the country at this time of year, bringing much needed water to freshly sprouting vegetation. You’ll enjoy those May flowers. In the meantime, you may not enjoy the flooding and mold problems that happen when rain is too much of a good thing.

What to Do:

· Clean out your gutters and check them for leaks. Don’t forget to check the downspouts for hidden clogs. Use a garden hose sprayer and a plumber’s snake to unblock downspouts if necessary.

· Consider grading your lawn and installing French drains to direct water away from your foundation and prevent water from pooling in your yard.

· If you have a basement, ensure that the sump pump has a backup power source. Otherwise, it won’t do you any good during a thunderstorm accompanied by a power outage. Installing a backup sump pump is also a good idea. You might even install one with an alarm that lets you know when the basement is flooding. These days, alarm messages can be sent to your phone!

With Hailstones Like These, Who Needs Golf Balls?

Hailstorms are often accompanied by lightning and high winds. It’s like Nature is pitching a fit—when it all starts hitting the roof it’s not a pretty sight.

What to Do:

· Close your blinds, shades or curtains. Fasten these window coverings to the windowsill or wall with tape or tacks. That way, if hail does break a window, the glass won’t be blown throughout the room.

· Stock up on some plywood and plastic sheeting so you can immediately patch up damaged windows and prevent rain from getting inside your house.

· Use thick blankets to protect vehicles and other property that can’t be put under a carport or in the garage. This may reduce the impact of hail enough to avoid paint damage and minor dents.

· If the hail is severe and large (at least ¾” in diameter), go ahead and call a roofing restoration specialist while you wait it out. That way, you can be one of the first clients on the list for damage assessment and repairs after the storm.

Everyone Knows It’s Windy

Straight-line winds are common throughout the southern regions of the U.S. as the weather warms up. Knowing that you’ve done what you can to keep your house from being totally trashed can help you ride out these wind disasters. Some of the same technology that helps limit damage from hurricanes can also be used for protection against straight-line winds.

What to Do:

· Consider protecting your home with roof tie-down clips. These clips anchor the roof deck to the frame of your house to make the whole structure stronger. Unlike many other roof upgrades, they don’t require extensive retrofitting.

· Install storm shutters and wind resistant doors. These can be helpful in protecting against wind, keeping out water and preventing damage from tornadoes that are accompanied by hail.

· Add a vertical bracing system to your garage door. This type of system takes only a few minutes to put in place (after initial installation) so you can prep your garage at a moment’s notice.

· Prune trees so that the branches are a safe distance away from the roof or other structures around the house. Branches scraping across the roof can do a lot of damage to shingles and flashing. Broken limbs falling on your roof can cause an instant leak.

· If a piece of yard furniture is light enough for you to lift it, high winds can probably pick it up too. Store loose furniture, toys, decorations, lawn equipment, and other items in a garage or shed. Offer to help neighbors move their lawn furniture too since windstorms don’t respect property lines!

Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte serves the following counties: Mecklenburg, Lincoln and Gaston counties.

Contents Cleaning Class

Posted on: 03/31/2012

We just completed our second Contents Cleaning Continuing Education Class for Insurance professionals on Wednesday March 28. This class is worth 4 hours of continuing education credits.↘.

Worst Mudslides

Posted on: 03/19/2012

4 Worst Southeast Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

Have you ever seen video images of a mudslide in action? The power of all that wet soil bearing down on houses and other buildings is immense. Mudslides in the Southeast affect homes in several significant ways: structural damage to the foundation and load bearing walls from the weight of the mud, water damage from related flooding and infiltration with bacteria and sludge from broken sewer lines in the affected area. At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte, we have experience restoring all of the types of damage your home may sustain in a mudslide. We want you to know that you can pull through disasters like this with help from our experienced and compassionate restoration professionals.
Flooding from wet weather happens in the most fertile areas of the country (along rivers and coastlines) and poses the biggest mudslide danger for Louisiana and other areas of the South.

Most landslide or mudslide events are also precipitated by heavy rainfall events like hurricanes and natural disasters such as flooding. Broken dams or levees can also inundate a town with muddy water. And that’s not all! This danger can occur anywhere there is steep terrain or unstable soil such as the sinkholes in Florida.

1.    In 2005, Hurricane Katrina left 80% of New Orleans under 15 feet of sewage-contaminated water. The storm left 81.2 billion dollars in total damage in its wake. Conflicting death tolls that include seven different states range from 1,464 to 1,836. However, 135 people remain missing to this day and are not included in the official death totals. Many of those deaths occurred away from the immediate coastline. Lingering health problems associated with the aftermath may have killed more people. The area affected encompassed over 90,000 square miles. Over one million residents were displaced because of this storm.

2.    An unnamed 1938 hurricane hit the Eastern seaboard of the US and killed 494 people in associated floods. It caused 306 million dollars in damages. The Southern states are notorious for being affected by weather events that begin in other regions. Therefore, it’s vitally important for residents in this region to weatherproof your homes way advance of the changing seasons and always be vigilant of weather patterns in surrounding areas such as along the East Coast.

3.    The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 resulted in 400 million dollars in damage and 246 deaths in 7 different states. The Mississippi valley and along the Red River are areas that flood frequently (not that we have to tell you that!) If you live in a coastal area that is subject to hurricanes, along a lakeshore or by a river, be sure to take basic safety precautions against wet weather disasters and potential mudslides by creating an evacuation and communication plan and listening for reports about contaminated water if you’re staying in the area.

4.    The Great Mississippi and Missouri Flood of 1993 was one of the worst floods in US history with property damage of about 15 billion dollars. A total of 50 people were killed throughout a wide area of the country. Be sure that if you live in or near a storm-prone region that your home is prepared in advance for several different kinds of weather events — you never know when one will hit, only to trigger another!
The scope of these disasters makes them difficult for any community (or even the federal government) to manage. This is one good reason to have our number. That way, when a mudslide or wet weather disaster strikes, you can call someone who cares and start restoring your home as soon as possible.
*All dollars are unadjusted unless otherwise noted.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte assists the following communities with mudslides and other weather disasters: Servicing Mecklenburg, Gaston and Lincoln counties.

Have you taken inventory?

Posted on: 03/17/2012

Take a home inventory and record the contents in your home. Take video shots of your valuables. Record serial numbers when possible. Take it to your insurance agent and keep a copy in your safety deposit box! You will be glad you did!

Call our office and we will email you a spreadsheet that you can easily complete!

Have you taken the time to record your personal belongings in your home? If your property suffers a catostrophic event such as fire, flood or devastating storm damage. You are going to wish you had taken the time to document what you had in your home? How can your insurance company properly compensate you if can't produce any documentation? Where are the receipts for the five flat screen televisons you said you had in your home before the fire? These are some of questions you will be asked by your insurance company.

Press Release

Posted on: 03/13/2012

Contact:

Abbie Bailey and Scott Bailey

704-399-2488

abailey@pdr-usa.net

scottbailey@pdr-usa.net

www.pdrestorationofcharlotte.com

Paul Davis Restoration helps young family after devastating home fire

Charlotte, NC – March 13, 2012 - Abbie and Scott Bailey, owners of the local Paul Davis office along with company staff members donated their time, services and equipment to help Denise Powers and her family after a devastating fire in their rental home in Cornelius, NC. On February 12, Powers woke up to flames in the home where she was sleeping and escaped without injury. However, all of her belongings including clothing, toys, furniture, and personal items were damaged from smoke and fire, and charred or stained from soot and water, and many of the items were totally destroyed. Her two young daughters lost their favorite toys and clothing, but fortunately the girls were not at home during the fire.

The Paul Davis office became aware of the young mother’s plight when speaking with insurance adjustors at the house located on Brinkley Street. Scott Bailey went to a neighbor’s home to inquire about Powers. Powers and her children were temporarily staying at the home and spoke with Bailey about their devastating experience. Powers had renter’s insurance, but not enough to cover the loss. Bailey volunteered to help the family and donated the company’s contents cleaning services to help the family recover and restore most of their belongings back to usable condition. In fact, the Paul Davis office purchased a special toy that was lost in the fire for one of the girls and bought two new bicycles and helmets for both girls.

The Paul Davis Restoring America community service program was initiated by the restoration firm to help the family in need because they were financially and physically unable to improve the condition of their belongings. The company donates a wide variety of goods and services to families throughout the Charlotte area with volunteer staff time and expertise.

According to Powers, the Bailey’s and their staff cleaned, sanitized and deodorized clothing, bedding, linens, furniture, kitchen and bath items, toys, a doll house, and bikes, to name a few. The Paul Davis office has deodorized, washed and dried, and is storing the items until Powers can secure permanent housing for herself and her daughters. Currently, Powers is living in a home owned by a local church. Powers works as a nanny and her girls never missed a day of school during the traumatic episode.

“We are pleased to be working with Denise and her family to ensure that she can establish some semblance of familiarity with the family’s personal belongings. Our technologically advanced cleaning systems with the Omegasonics and Esporta Wash System will provide her with items that are close to being like new,” said Scott Bailey. “We’re happy to help this wonderful and hard working family in our community,” he said.

“The Paul Davis office cared about us so much that they not only cleaned our belongings, they also found a new version of my daughter’s favorite pillow pet toy and presented the stuffed animal to us as a gift. Plus, the new bikes were a complete surprise,” said Powers. “You can’t feel sorry for yourself at a time like this, especially when there are people who are being so nice and generous to you,” she said.

more…

“Paul Davis participates in community service work and philanthropy as part of our everyday business,” Bailey said. “All of the work we do is a combined effort of our dedicated staff and friends and family,” he added. “We are honored to give back to Denise and her family.”

For more information, call 704-399-2488 or visit the website at www.pdrestorationofcharlotte.com.

The office serves customers in Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Gaston and Iredell counties. Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte is located at 2205 Distribution Center Drive, Suite A in Charlotte, NC 28269.

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Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. is a national franchisor and leading provider of restoration services for residential and commercial properties since 1966. Paul Davis Restoration also provides advanced mold cleanup services and has franchise locations throughout North America with owners and technicians who are certified by The Clean Trust. For more information, visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com.

A Friend In Need Is a Friend Indeed!

Posted on: 03/13/2012

We had the pleasure of helping a family recently that suffered a devasting fire in their home in Cornelius NC. This was a single mother of two that needed help! Our company staff was ther to help out! She helped our company by allowing us to make a difference for her and her family. We also used her contents to demonstrate our capabilities to a group of insurance professionals learn about new technologies for cleaning and restoring fire damaged contents. Our staff was able to save and restore 85% of the items we were able to remove from this property.

Five Surprising Places To Find Mold

Posted on: 03/13/2012

You may be surprised!

10 Obvious Places to Look for Mold in Your Home

Posted on: 03/08/2012

Ways Your Home Can Be Infiltrated in a Storm

Posted on: 03/02/2012

8 Ways Your Home Can Be Infiltrated in a Storm

Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary – a shelter in the storm. But all too often a flood, hurricane or other severe weather event can penetrate that sanctuary, and the aftermath isn’t pretty. At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte, we’ve seen even sturdy, well-maintained properties sustain serious damage in stormy weather. Once a home is opened to the elements, things get worse rapidly. That’s why it’s so important to repair storm-related damage ASAP. Here’s a list of the most common ways your home can be infiltrated by the outside world in a storm…and what to do about it!

1. Scared Rodents

People and pets aren’t the only ones seeking a safe place to hide in a hurricane. Birds, raccoons, snakes and rats may all be looking for ways into your home during a storm. An improperly maintained chimney or a missing fascia vent is all they need to infiltrate your attic. Once they move down into your walls, you’re in real trouble. The sooner you get them cleared out (along with their droppings and nesting materials), the better.

2. Falling Trees

In a windstorm or a hurricane, trees are often unavoidable casualties. A heavy tree limb, a huge palm frond, or an entire uprooted sapling can pierce through a roof with enough force to reach all the way into the attic. Even smaller branches can damage shingles – leading to insidious leaks that develop slowly over time. Either way, you can end up with mold in your attic insulation. Limit your home’s risk of tree damage by keeping branches trimmed at least 3 feet away from your roof.

3. Broken Windows

You may have heard that the sudden drop in air pressure during a hurricane can cause windows to explode. That’s a dramatic idea, but flying debris is the usual culprit when your windows end up broken in a storm. Charlotte residents have reported golf ball-sized hail that’s driven sideways by the wind cracking windows. Even if a window isn’t broken, the seal around the window may be damaged by severe weather. This makes windows a prime entry point for moisture that leads to mildew.

4. Clogged Gutters

A mixture of fast wind and hard rain can strip trees of twigs and leaves in minutes. All this vegetation can create a real logjam in your gutters. When water can no longer drain through your downspouts, it has to go somewhere. Most of it will pour over the edge of your gutters. This is bad news if you have a basement since waterlogged soil contributes to seepage. Of course, the rainwater that doesn’t flow over the side of the gutters may back up into any cracks and crevices in your home’s eaves. The wood will swell as it gets wet and then shrink again as it dries. Each time this happens, the cracks and areas of rot get bigger. That’s a welcome sight for termites and other wood-eating insects!

5. Backed Up Sewers

Sewage backup is by far the nastiest storm disaster. Torrential rains, hurricanes and spring flooding are all culprits in overloading or blocking storm drains and sewer systems. Mold isn’t the only problem you have to worry about when you get sewage backup in your home. Untreated water is often teeming with bacteria. If a sewer in your neighborhood is backed up, immediately plug up all your drains (including the toilet). These are the prime entry points for sewage infiltration. Should your home become contaminated by sewage, it’s important to call a qualified restoration professional. Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte can help!

6. Rising Waters

Coastal regions are frequent sites of storm-related flooding. Rising waters from a flash flood make a big splash (no pun intended), but a rising water table underground can also cause flooding in your basement. Pay attention to the total amount of rainfall and storm surge occurring in your area to gauge your risk for flooding. Use the National Weather Service to check for flash flood warnings in your area.

7. High Winds

In the most extreme winds, your shingles may achieve lift off. Incorrect installation (particularly the placement of nails) is a common cause of asphalt shingle loss during high winds. Check your roof after a windstorm, paying close attention to the edges of the roofline where shingles are most vulnerable.

8. Muddy Footprints

Sometimes, the one bringing the stormy mess inside is you! Sometimes it’s hard not to track wet soil indoors when it’s everywhere. If you do end up with sludge in your house, get a professional to look at the dirty areas. Some soils contain lots of iron, which causes staining. Other kinds of dirt are filled with grit, which can tear up your carpets if you let it get ground in. Correct cleanup from mud damage will depend on what type of soil you have in your area.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte serves the following locations: Lincoln, Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.

Unprepared Homes

Posted on: 02/24/2012

Weather Disasters: 10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes – Would Yours Make the List?

Alt titles:

10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes for Floods and Other Weather Disasters

10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes for Wildfires and Other Weather Disasters

10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes for Hailstorms and Other Weather Disasters

10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes for Windstorms and Other Weather Disasters

When you become comfortable in a home over a period of years, sometimes you can become blind to the structural fixes it needs. The experts at Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte have seen how floods, windstorms, wildfires and other weather disasters can unfortunately leave even the most sturdily built home in a pile of rubble. Through our years of service restoring homes and personal property, we know that a house that’s unprepared or constructed with the wrong materials for any given region can be seriously damaged by an event that leaves other structures unscathed. Here are pictures of 10 houses that will be in big trouble when the next storm hits.

1. Rain, Rain, Go Away

The gutters in this home in Antioch, Virginia, aren’t just clogged with a few leaves and twigs. They’re supporting an entire ecosystem! When gutters are stopped up, a heavy rainstorm can hurt a house from top to bottom. Rain may seep in under the eaves, rotting the wood fascia. It can also pour directly onto the ground around the house, leading to foundation issues. Mold, insect infestation, flooded basements and more can result from this type of clogged gutter.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artdrauglis/3849505103/

Photo credit: Flickr

2. Blow Me Away

A falling tree limb struck this house in Salt Lake City, Utah (a common event during weather disasters). Any time shingles are worn and torn, they become much easier for the wind to lift off. You can see why it needs to have the roof restored before the next windstorm. There may also be hidden damage to the substructure or underlayment of the roof. Putting new shingles on without ensuring that all the other problems are fixed is like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/deltamike/204302921/

Photo credit: Flickr

3. Fire and Water

Disaster is literally raining down on this residence that appears to be a victim of a house fire. The fact that it was left un-restored means it’ll be vulnerable to rainstorm damage. In the meantime, insulation in the walls that was soaked during efforts to extinguish the fire is probably festering with mold. Even worse, the house is directly joined to the neighboring structure! If the damaged house leaks or floods, this could potentially lead to problems for the adjacent dwelling. You should look at any attached structures on your property as part of your house. If they are vulnerable to infiltration by water, the rest of your home is also at risk.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlevine/87841928/

Photo credit: Flickr

4. All Hail the Tile Roof

Ah, the tile roof. Reminiscent of the Mediterranean and oh-so-dreamy blue skies. However, a roof like this on a home in states like Kansas and Texas can leave some homeowners very unprepared when hailstorms hit. Tile doesn’t respond well to sharp impacts and can easily crack under pressure from hail stones. The Midwest is particularly prone to severe hail. Storms regularly cause hundreds of millions in property damage every year. Any type of roof should be inspected after a heavy hail storm – but you can expect a less extensive insurance claim if your shingles are rated for hail resistance.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/543564835/

Photo credit: Flickr

5. Light It Up

This old-fashioned straw roof would go up like a matchstick if a wildfire blew through town! Modern homes obviously don’t have thatch roofs. However, not all shingle materials are equally fire resistant. If you live in an area like the west coast that’s prone to wildfires, you should choose a ‘class A’ fire resistant roofing material.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shibuya246/5106627299/

Photo credit: Flickr

6. Ice, Ice, Baby

This house in New England wasn’t equipped to prevent ice buildup during a recent snowstorm. The ice dam above the gutters could allow moisture to seep in under the shingles since proper drainage is inhibited. This type of roof leak can lead to rotting wood and mold-infested insulation. The problem is likely to get worse with each subsequent blizzard if it’s not addressed. If you’ve let a winter go by without checking the integrity of your roof, eaves, and gutters, inspect them soon!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/misssage/3128629886/

7. Don’t Let the Rain Come Down

This skylight is quaint, but it’s obviously not leak proof. You can see the stains from previous water penetration along one corner. It’s ripe for another soaking with the next rainstorm. This old-style skylight has a flat surface and is designed to open – two features that aren’t actually needed and make the design much more prone to leaking. New, domed models that maximize light through refraction while allowing rain to run off onto the roof make more sense. No matter what type of skylight you have, you should check the flashing around it at least once a year to make sure there’s no chance of water getting in.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12099014@N03/5541318125/

8. Does Anyone Have Noah on Speed Dial?

Basements are a fairly common house feature in northern areas of the U.S. They can be very useful for storage or an extra room (it’s the ideal spot for a “man cave”). But the basement in this photo shows you one common problem that can leave a home very unprepared for flooding. Imagine what’s going to happen down in this basement when snowmelt brings spring floods! Cracks like this are a sign of foundation problems that will only get worse with time – leaving a home vulnerable to cracked walls, busted plumbing, and worse.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/buymelunch/4024807886/

9. We Have Achieved Liftoff

Check out the flimsy corrugated roof on this house on stilts! Fortunately, this residence is located in the UK. If it was in Oklahoma, we can just see the entire roof being peeled off in a single swipe by a tornado. If the house was along the West Coast and a mudslide hit, the weight of the soil would probably snap those stilts like toothpicks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndunster/57531562/

10. Knock Me Over with a Feather

What can we even say about this sad shack in Ontario, California? We’re afraid that even a slight breeze might cause it to completely collapse!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobolink/5708424710/

Photo credit: Flickr

Do you have a ridiculously unprepared home in your neighborhood? Send us an image! jamie.williams@pdr-usa.net

Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte provides services to locations in Mecklenburg, Lincoln, and Gaston counties.

Sinkholes

Posted on: 02/24/2012

Top 5 Sinkholes Near You

All types of sinkholes could pose a problem for anyone who’s living on top or near an area that suddenly gets consumed by the earth. Sound too dramatic to believe? The experts at Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte can tell you - this can actually happen if your home is built over an ancient mining tunnel or sewage system. We also know from experience, homes that don’t fall into a crevasse can still suffer major structural damage. We’ve helped families recover from the most dramatic and unexpected property disasters to restore their homes and their sense of safety.

While you don’t have to worry about the most famous sinkholes (located in Guatemala City and Berezniki, Russia), you’d be surprised how many big’uns exist across the U.S., including ones near Charlotte!

#1 New Wales, Florida

If Florida’s alligators don’t swallow you up, one of the state’s many sinkholes might. The worst hole formed in 1994 under a stack of phosphate mining waste. The gypsum stack contained 80 million tons of phosphogypsum, a corrosive, toxic, and slightly radioactive material. The hole was 400 feet deep and carried waste into the groundwater throughout most of Florida’s drinking water, causing widespread contamination that cost millions of dollars to clean up.

http://mark-lawton.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Agrico-Gypsum-Stack-Florida-Sinkhole-300x200.jpg

#2 Hawthorne, Florida

Devil’s Hole is a natural sinkhole just east of Gainesville. It does not seem that dangerous at first glance. It is extremely well hidden and may actually be one of the most beautiful sinkholes in the US. However, a lot of people have been injured there. It was used as a swimming hole for the locals until someone bought all the land around it and fenced it in. If you develop a sinkhole on your property, the first thing you should do is fence it so no one sprains an ankle or falls in (but you can skip the signs threatening to shoot any trespassers). Devil’s Hole is almost 300 feet and the water level in the center is at least 90 feet deep. Experts believe the water system that feeds this hole is connected to another entire chain of sinkholes in Florida.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQUB6CJEh7g

#3 Jackson, Alabama

Neversink Pit is a natural limestone sinkhole that’s only 40 feet wide at top but widens deeper down to about 100 feet. Total depth is about 162 feet, but the holes bell shape formation makes it seem deeper than it actually is. The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. bought the land in 1995 in an effort to preserve it. A large population of bats inhabits the cave, and these are being protected by the SCCI. Like so many sinkholes that double as tourist attractions, spelunkers occasionally get into trouble here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=SG&hl=en-GB&v=tiZZnDLtbkU

#4 Picher, Oklahoma

The fate of this town is another example of what happens when toxic waste and sinkholes mix. Picher, Oklahoma, used to be a prosperous lead and zinc mining town, until the huge heaps of mining waste began to give way. The area is considered too toxic to even clean up. In 2006, the government determined that the entire town might be swallowed up by the rapidly multiplying sinkholes at any time. The residents were bought out so they could move to safer ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV0EKE9nGgA

#5 Daisetta, Texas

Like a tale of a fish that got away, this sinkhole got bigger and bigger very quickly – expanding from 20 feet wide to 900 feet wide in one day. You can actually see it happening in this video. The mess was made much worse by the fact that this was an area where oil drilling was taking place. The resulting mud and oil sludge created a Texas-sized mess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEvCP7TXIEU

What You Should Know about Sinkholes

No region of the country is exempt from this eerie phenomenon, including North Carolina. Besides the immediate risk of engulfment in a sinkhole, houses that surround unstable ground are at risk for damage from mudslides, flooding from broken pipes and serious foundation issues. You may be able to spot sinkhole activity in your area by looking for doors that no longer open smoothly and cracks around the windows and doors. Holes or bowl-shaped depressions in nearby yards, cracked sidewalks and dips that form suddenly in the street are also warning signs.

Contact the experts at Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte right away if you believe your property is developing problems from a sinkhole. The damage to your home will need to be fixed right away. There are sometimes steps that can be taken to stabilize the ground again (although sinkholes can recur over time).

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte serves the following communities: Mecklenburg, Lincoln, and Gaston counties.

How to protect pets during storms

Posted on: 02/08/2012

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Windstorm and other major weather events.

Who can forget the images of stranded dogs and cats on the television in the weeks after Hurricane Katrina? At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte, our first priority is the safety and well being of your family — which of course, includes your pets. We have a soft spot for your furry loved ones and we know from experience that all it takes is a little preparation to avoid the heartbreak of seeing them injured in a storm. When an unexpected weather event approaches Charlotte, protect your four-legged companions from getting lost or injured. We suggest you keep this basic checklist for Socks and Buster on the fridge next to all your other emergency contacts.

Develop a written plan of action that includes your pet…NOW before any weather-disaster strikes. Play the “what if” game so that you can prepare for a variety of scenarios. Have a back-up plan in case things don’t work out with “plan A”. You should develop your plan based on the most likely weather-related disaster in your area. For example, if you live where wildfires rage every year, your plan will be all about evacuation. If you live in “Tornado Alley”, you should plan for how to keep your pet indoors with you when it’s time to batten down the hatches.
When it is safe to do so, leave early with your pet whenever a disaster emergency is declared. Generally, the longer you wait to move, the more dangerous the situation will become. Observe prior warnings and recommendations so that you are better prepared when an evacuation is ordered.
Include outdoor pets in your disaster preparedness plan. It’s too easy to forget these friends or assume that they can fend for themselves because they are outside. The truth is that they are likely to go missing even if they are not injured or killed. This means you should be on good enough terms with your outdoor pets to coax them into a carrier easily.
Most emergency public shelters and evacuation centers don’t accept pets. Find out in advance which locations in Charlotte are pet-friendly in case you need to leave your home to avoid a weather-related disaster. Remember that current vaccinations are an absolute must if you expect your pets to be welcome in any shelter. Consider evacuating to a pet-friendly motel if there are no shelters that accept pets. The following websites and search tools will help you locate motels, restaurants, places and services that allow pets under various circumstances: Go Pet Friendly, TravelPets, PetsWelcome, PetTravel, DogFriendly.
Consider pet insurance as part of any preparedness plan. Although ConsumerReports.org states that there is generally little value over the long run for the cost of premiums, the benefits of such a policy may depend on your location and whether you pet has special medical needs. It may be best to set up a self-insurance savings account specifically for the purpose of handling emergency situations for your pet. You can use this fund to pay for the cost of emergency supplies, veterinary care, evacuation, etc.
If you have sufficient notice of an incoming storm, talk to local boarding kennels and pet shelters about the preparedness of their facilities. Your pet may be able to safely ride out the storm in a kennel. This approach might be a good idea if you have small children who will need your undivided attention during an emergency. Ask about the capacity of the kennel – and whether they usually get overcrowded when there are weather-related disaster warnings.
If you must leave home, don’t leave your pets. You might be gone longer than you think, putting your pet at risk for dehydration and starvation. Never leave your pet alone in an evacuation area unless you absolutely have no other choice. Your pet will likely die if left inside a mobile home alone. Even in a safer structure, the chances of pet survival are slim, especially in heat or frigid temperatures. If they do manage to survive, this may be because they found a way to escape the house. They may not be there when you get back. If they are, they may have caused significant damage to your property while trying to get out.
Identification is critical for making sure your pet can be returned to you as soon as possible. Use a combination of contact tags (external collar tags and microchip) to make it easier locate a pet that is separated from you during a weather-related disaster. This is especially critical in large-scale disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes when local shelters and animal control centers may be dealing with a high volume of missing pets at one time.
Keep photos of your pet in a dry location in case you need to make lost posters. If you really want to be prepared, make up some “missing pet” posters before the severe weather hits, just in case you need them. Be sure to include a way to contact you that will still be accessible even if the power lines are down.
The safest area of your home for humans is usually also the safest area for pets. Make your furry friends comfortable with their favorite bedding and toys. Bring in a crate or carrier in case your pet becomes agitated and tries to get out of the room. This is especially important with cats since they can slip out very easily and run away. Keep all exit routes shut.
Put together an emergency travel kit for your pet that includes a carrier, leash or harness, food, water, towels, poop cleanup supplies, medications, etc. Include enough supplies to last several days at a minimum. Some organizations suggest a week minimum. This should give you enough time to find other resources. Make sure there are some First Aid supplies that can be used for your pet as well (gauze, bandages, disinfectant).
If you have reason to believe you might be out of the house when a weather-related disaster strikes, post prominent signs in the windows letting neighbors and rescue workers know there are pets inside. Include the names and descriptions of each pet along with any special handling instructions (such as ways to tempt them into the open with a favorite treat).
Exchange pet information with neighbors so they can help evacuate pets when you are not available to do so. Make sure anyone who has a key to your home is familiar and comfortable with all your pets. These friendly neighbors should know the animal’s habits and their special place where they are likely to feel safest. Animals are often frightened by high winds, thunder and heavy rain fall associated with weather-related disasters and will hide away.
Keep your pets close to you even after the severe weather is over. The debris left behind, contaminated water and stray animals running free in your neighborhood can continue to pose a threat to your pet’s life and health. Flooding creates lots of opportunities for pets to drink or drown in unsafe water. Wildfires can leave behind toxic residues including chemical-laden soot and ash from building materials. There may also still be smoldering remains that can burn your pet. Mudslides can create entrapment hazards even after most of the ground has stopped shifting. Broken glass is usually left behind by hurricanes, windstorms and tornadoes.
If your pet does get lost and you can’t find it in your neighborhood, call the local animal control office. They should have information on where lost pets are being housed waiting for owners to come pick them up.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte serves the following communities: Mecklenburg, Gaston, and Lincoln counties.

Snow Bound

Posted on: 02/29/2012

Maybe you have relatives in the Northeast. Here are some things you need to know to protect friends or family affected by inclement weather.

"Mom, Are You Staying Warm Enough?" 8 Tips for Your Snowbound Loved Ones After a Storm

Living in the Southeast has many advantages - including not having to endure long, cold winters and snowstorms! However, many of us have family and friends in the Northeast, Midwest, Great Plains and other areas of the country that receive significant snowfall. During these times, we worry about their safety. Paul Davis Restoration/Paul Davis Emergency Services of Charlotte wants you to think about how you can reach out across the miles to help those in snowy areas.
No matter where you live, there’s always something you can do to help out the people you care about when they are snowed in:
1.    Prolonged power outages can be dangerous for families that are snowed in after a sub-zero blizzard. Since you can’t pick up loved ones and bring them to you, call to give them some helpful tips for preventing hypothermia. For example, they can wall off a small room with thick blankets to create an insulated space that is easier to keep warm.
2.    If you have older or mobility challenged relatives, they could be snowed in by even a minor snowstorm. Stay in touch with relatives or neighbors nearby and arrange for them to check on your relatives and dig them out. Make sure they know help is on the way.
3.    Have you recently moved from the northern US to an area that rarely has ice or snow? It only takes half an inch of ice to trap people in their homes down South. Your years of experience with driving safely on ice and snow-covered roads could save lives. Offer to run any emergency errands for your loved ones to keep them off the road.
4.    Do you have an older relative on a fixed income who is struggling to pay their heating bill? They could be in danger of hypothermia from having their heat cut off while they are snowed in. Many municipalities offer emergency fuel assistance programs that can help keep the heat turned on during severe winter weather. Get online and start making phone calls to ensure that your loved one doesn’t go without.
5.    Many cities in warm regions have few snow plows and sand trucks available to treat major bridges and roadways after a snowstorm (look what happened in Atlanta). They probably won’t get around to de-icing many residential streets at all. If you have a pickup truck with four wheel drive, you could organize some salt and gravel to treat the driveway and street in front of a loved one’s house.
6.    Maybe you are enjoying a balmy weekend in Florida when you find out on Facebook that relatives up north are snowed in. Spend some time online chatting and suggesting ways for them to stay entertained (and how to keep the kids busy). Just don’t talk about how nice the weather is in your neck of the woods. They may un-friend you forever.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Charlotte serves the following communities: Mecklenburg, Lincoln, and Gaston counties.

Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on: 02/08/2012

Charlotte NC / Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls
The season of good cheer is an exciting time of year. The day after Thanksgiving, lights are already going up all over . However, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can lead to all kinds of unfortunate accidents. You already know about the hazards of deep frying a turkey or climbing on a slick roof to put up Christmas lights. So instead, we here at Paul Davis Restoration of Charlotte NC have gone the less obvious route. Here are 8 NEW holiday safety tips to protect your loved ones and your property from dangers.
1.   NOT SO WARM TIDINGS: Homes located along coastal areas or major rivers can be at risk for flooding during the winter holidays. Winter windstorms can create tidal flooding, or an unexpected winter thaw up north can cause a sudden rise in river levels down south. FEMA provides a full list of ways to protect your home from flood damage
2.   UNWANTED CHRISTMAS SIZZLE: You know you’re supposed to water your live Christmas tree to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Just remember to unplug the lights first. Otherwise, you could end up as one of the dozens of people who have been electrocuted by their Christmas tree in the last 15 years.
3.   HANDLE THY CANDLES: Are you using candles in your celebration of Hanukkah or Kwanzaa? Keep draperies out of the way when you place a menorah or kinara candle stand near a window. Extinguish the candles before going to bed.
4.   OUTDOOR STRINGS AND THINGS: In the southeast, winter is a time when we can experience some nasty rain. Wet conditions greatly increase the danger of electrical accidents from Christmas lights. Using UL listed outdoor lights and extension cords plugged into GFCI outlets are standard precautions. A newer safety option is to buy solar powered Christmas lights that eliminate the need for cords and outlets altogether.
5.   CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER: It’s all fun and games at Christmas until someone puts their back out. Cords from holiday decorations and toys can create a spider web of tripping hazards across the floor. Make sure to keep at least one pathway in the front room clear at all times.
6.   CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT SURPRISE: Antique ornaments are whimsical and are often passed down from generation to generation. Don’t let those happy memories fool you. Old electrical bulb lights can cause shocks and fires. The ancient candle holders that preceded electricity are even more of a fire hazard. Many antique decorations contain high quantities of lead. When you learn the history of your heirloom Christmas decorations, be sure to find out about any dangerous materials used.
7.   LEAD TO SAFETY: Did you know that even modern Christmas lights often have lead in their cords – but that only California requires these products to have a warning label? Remember to wash your hands after handling lights this year (or wear gloves).
8.   HOLIDAY CRUNCH: You can almost hear the Grinch laughing sadistically whenever someone steps on a blown glass tree ornament. These beautiful baubles are like land mines waiting to explode. Replace yours with plastic ornaments that have a metallic finish. This is especially important if you have kids in the house.

Paul Davis Restoration Blog

Posted on: 02/08/2012

The Paul Davis Restoration blog is a fun, informative way to stay up-to-date on restoration and weather-related news.

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Check out our new storm infographic!

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Childrens Books about Storm Safety

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Spring Storms

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Have you taken inventory?

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A Friend In Need Is a Friend Indeed!

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Unprepared Homes

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