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Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast New Jersey
Water, Fire & Mold Damage, Cleanup & Repair

Has your home or business been flooded, affected by fire, infested with mold and mildew or experienced some other type of catastrophic damage? Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast New Jersey can help.

We are part of a national network of property restoration professionals in the business of providing immediate response 24/7 to clean up, restore and repair property damage due to water, fire, smoke, mold, storms or other disasters. At Paul Davis, we understand the stress involved in these situations and will work quickly to get your life and property back to normal.

If your home or business has experienced damage – Call Paul! 800.722.1818

Water Clean Up	Mold Damage & Remediation
Water Removal	Reconstruction Services
Fire & Smoke Clean Up	Contents Cleaning
Fire & Smoke Repair	Wind & Storm Damage

More than 2 million homes restored since 1966!

We assist the following communities: Bergen, Hudson, Morris and Passaic counties.

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4 Hilarious Gadgets for Northeastern Homeowners

04/27/2012

Prepping the home for warm weather can be a chore that makes the average homeowner drag their feet. But the…

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 Northeast NJ, we’re invested in seeing your family and home receive the quality attention you (and it) deserve. Here, we’ve reviewed a list of eight 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 winter storm, refresh a stale room and keep you safe. Would you use these?? Yard Duty 1. Even though it was an atypical winter in the Northeast, your yard probably needs some TLC to get it looking barbeque-ready. This next gadget begs the question: Why not combine a chore with a hobby? The Weed Whacking Golf Driver is, well, a weed whacking golf driver. Although it’s intended for less-than-honest moves on the golf course (perfect for surreptitiously trimming the terrain when you end up in the weeds), there’s no reason you can’t repurpose this handy device for prettying up the lawn while practicing your swing. Who knows, it just might improve your game. 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 Northeast, 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? Indoor Solutions 3. After being shut in by cold weather all winter, you probably need to give your vacation home a good airing out! Enter the Clean Air Ball! This little air purifier removes indoor pollutants and maximizes airflow to keep your home fresh and nontoxic. If your home has recently been marred by smoke damage, however, don’t attempt to rid the smell with the Clean Air Ball. Smoke can enter into porous material, such as wood and drywall, during a fire. As the material cools, the pores close and trap smoke inside. While the house may smell clean, once the warm weather hits, those pores will open up again, releasing the smell of smoke into the air. 4. If you’re ready to give your home a nice scrubbing up, what could be a more festive way to clean than with bubbles? While the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner apparently has a short battery life and expensive product refills, watching it spin 360 degrees and delightfully spray bubbles up to eight feet away is certainly intriguing. Plus, let’s face it, the term ‘automatic cleaner’ makes any homeowner’s ears perk up. For a property that’s been shuttered for several months, though, be sure to check your home for any serious clean up issues before handing the job over to a novelty device. If you’re suffering from allergic reactions like eye and nasal irritation or respiratory problems, for instance, this could be a sign of black mold and requires the assistance of a professional. Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ assists the following communities: Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Hudson, and Rockland Counties.

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

02/03/2012

You’ve seen the way blockbuster movies present a windstorm (whether straight-line winds, tornado, or hurricane). The lesson from Hollywood? If…

You’ve seen the way blockbuster movies present a windstorm (whether straight-line winds, tornado, or hurricane). The lesson from Hollywood? If you don’t own an underground storage cellar, you’re going to end up flying through the air and swallowed up by a big, dark cloud. But forget the silver screen – Paul Davis of Northeast NJ has seen the aftermath of real storms, right in our area. Although hurricanes and tornadoes are rare events here, New Jersey gets its share of pummeling during the storm season. We’ve experienced the true-life heartbreaking stories…and have proudly helped families restore their property after they’ve thought there was no way to repair the damage. In the process of helping property owners recover after a windstorm, we’ve also learned about some other surprising lifesavers that can protect you and your property from a windstorm. Here are 8 tips we hope can help you. 1. Your Door Wind pressure can rip your home open at its weakest points. You may think the most likely points of damage are the windows, but doors are also vulnerable. Doors manufactured before 1994 aren’t usually rated for pressure. Consider replacing your exterior doors with newer models that are code approved for both wind pressure and debris impact. Have them installed to open outward rather than inward. 2. Wooden Furniture Ikea may be the store of choice for [Boston]-dwellers, but invest in at least one sturdier, more solid piece of wooden furniture. It can be your best friend during a tornado or hurricane. As part of your emergency preparedness plan, think about which table, desk, or workbench you can easily move to the safest part of your house such as the bathroom or closet (make sure the furniture fits through the door). When you hide under this piece of furniture, you will have an extra shield against falling debris – including heavy pieces like roofing materials or tree branches. 3. Mulch Gravel and rock are lovely choices for landscaping. But they can easily become deadly projectiles in high winds. They can break your windows and cause shrapnel-like damage to the human body. To avoid this danger, use materials such as wood mulch instead of gravel in your flowerbeds, and pave your driveway with concrete instead of pebbles. 4. Trimmed Greenery Speaking of power lines, you can decrease your risk of electric shock by making sure the city is doing its job. Anytime you see vegetation and trees growing into the utility lines near your home, give the city a call to report this unsafe condition. When they cut back vegetation, this reduces the risk that you will step outside after a windstorm and find that downed power lines are energizing the puddles of sleet around your home. 5. Duct Tape (Duck Tape) Don’t laugh! This adhesive really is very useful during and after a windstorm. Securing windows with duct tape does little to improve protection from broken glass (boarding up your windows is ideal). But it can be helpful for other last minute safety adjustments since this tape is strong and waterproof. For instance, duct tape can also help prevent water leaks around windows and doors from wind driven rain and snow. Plus, you can use duct tape to secure blankets around windows and doors to help stay warm when the power goes out when a windstorm is accompanied by a blizzard. 6. A Whistle If you get trapped under debris, blowing a whistle may save your life. A whistle’s sound will travel farther than your voice with far less effort, and it can sometimes be heard through solid structures. A safety whistle will get the attention of rescuers faster and save you from losing your voice from shouting. 7. Waterproof Heavy Duty Flashlight You can use a bright flashlight to signal rescuers in low light situations. If you sustain injuries that prevent you from speaking, flashing a light can draw attention to you when you need help most. Take a moment to learn SOS in Morse code if you don’t know it already (· · · — — — · · ·). Power may be out immediately after a windstorm. A reliable emergency light source will help you get around in the dark without injury. Keep in mind that a flashlight may require backup batteries to ensure longer life. 8. Air Purifier If you’re an apartment dweller, an air purifier that removes both particulates and chemicals may help keep your family comfortable indoors during a severe-weather event (assuming the power stays on). As staying inside is your safest option in any windstorm, you might as well still have access to fresh air!

The First 5 Calls to Make After a Snowstorm or Flood

01/12/2012

Who should you call when a disaster strikes your home? In some cases, this depends on the nature of the…

Who should you call when a disaster strikes your home? In some cases, this depends on the nature of the catastrophe. If a major flood or snowstorm has hit Northern NJ, you may be in the middle of a natural disaster that is affecting hundreds or thousands of families. In this case, landlines and cell towers could be affected, limiting who you can contact immediately. In contrast, if a tornado touched down briefly or a household fire started down the block, the damage maybe limited to a few homes. It’s still a disaster for you if your house was involved, but you’ll probably have access to more immediate support. In general, here are the most important calls to make: First Responders – Emergency services are likely to be overwhelmed in the event of a snowstorm or flood. Call 911 only if there is an immediate danger to your life and health or that of your family. Otherwise, contact neighbors or friends to help you out (or so you can help each other). Utilities – A broken gas line or a downed overhead power line can be a serious hazard after a flood or blizzard. Call the utility company right away to address the issue. Move to a safer area until a crew arrives and corrects the problem. Loved Ones – You’ll want to contact family and friends to let them know you are OK and to check on their well-being. In the event of a major disaster, use text messaging when possible to minimize the overload on the voice network. Get in touch with at least one person who lives outside your local area. This individual may serve as an important contact point in getting you the help and information you need (such as the distribution locations for the American Red Cross or local relief agencies). Shelter – If your home is unsafe or completely destroyed in a major disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be able to provide temporary housing. The number is (800) 621-3362 to register for assistance. FEMA may also have vital information about where to find necessities like food and clothing after a disaster. Restoration – Once you’ve ensured your family is safe, it’s time to start the process of rescuing your home. This involves contacting your insurance company, submitting a claim and working with a company that specializes in property damage clean up and repair. Most policies require you as the homeowner to make immediate reasonable repairs to your home following a disaster to prevent additional damage and will reimburse you for these repairs. Don’t wait for a contractor to knock on your door (there will be all kinds of fly-by-night repair companies coming through your town after a snow storms and floods). Be proactive in calling a licensed restoration company that specializes in repairing the specific type of damage your home sustained in the disaster (we suggest Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Northeast NJ). Additional Tips: The amount of warning you have before an event can also affect your communication strategy. You might be able to make some of your calls ahead of time rather than after the fact. For example, notify your employer that you probably won’t show up for work tomorrow because a major weather event headed your way is likely to cause damage. And if you know someone who is experiencing a disaster in their own city, be in contact with them and let them know you’re there to help. You may be able to serve as a resource to them even from thousands of miles away.

September is National Preparedness Month

09/09/2011

Every year, Paul Davis of Northeast NJ participates in National Preparedness Month in September to spread the word to individuals…

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Northeastern Homeowners

04/27/2012

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

02/03/2012

The First 5 Calls to Make After a Snowstorm or Flood

01/12/2012

September is National Preparedness Month

09/09/2011

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Northeastern Homeowners

Posted on: 04/27/2012

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 Northeast NJ, we’re invested in seeing your family and home receive the quality attention you (and it) deserve. Here, we’ve reviewed a list of eight 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 winter storm, refresh a stale room and keep you safe. Would you use these??

Yard Duty

1. Even though it was an atypical winter in the Northeast, your yard probably needs some TLC to get it looking barbeque-ready. This next gadget begs the question: Why not combine a chore with a hobby? The Weed Whacking Golf Driver is, well, a weed whacking golf driver. Although it’s intended for less-than-honest moves on the golf course (perfect for surreptitiously trimming the terrain when you end up in the weeds), there’s no reason you can’t repurpose this handy device for prettying up the lawn while practicing your swing. Who knows, it just might improve your game.

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 Northeast, 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?

Indoor Solutions

3. After being shut in by cold weather all winter, you probably need to give your vacation home a good airing out! Enter the Clean Air Ball! This little air purifier removes indoor pollutants and maximizes airflow to keep your home fresh and nontoxic. If your home has recently been marred by smoke damage, however, don’t attempt to rid the smell with the Clean Air Ball. Smoke can enter into porous material, such as wood and drywall, during a fire. As the material cools, the pores close and trap smoke inside. While the house may smell clean, once the warm weather hits, those pores will open up again, releasing the smell of smoke into the air.

4. If you’re ready to give your home a nice scrubbing up, what could be a more festive way to clean than with bubbles? While the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner apparently has a short battery life and expensive product refills, watching it spin 360 degrees and delightfully spray bubbles up to eight feet away is certainly intriguing. Plus, let’s face it, the term ‘automatic cleaner’ makes any homeowner’s ears perk up. For a property that’s been shuttered for several months, though, be sure to check your home for any serious clean up issues before handing the job over to a novelty device. If you’re suffering from allergic reactions like eye and nasal irritation or respiratory problems, for instance, this could be a sign of black mold and requires the assistance of a professional.

Paul Davis Restoration of Northeast NJ assists the following communities: Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Hudson, and Rockland Counties.

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

Posted on: 02/03/2012

You’ve seen the way blockbuster movies present a windstorm (whether straight-line winds, tornado, or hurricane). The lesson from Hollywood? If you don’t own an underground storage cellar, you’re going to end up flying through the air and swallowed up by a big, dark cloud. But forget the silver screen – Paul Davis of Northeast NJ has seen the aftermath of real storms, right in our area. Although hurricanes and tornadoes are rare events here, New Jersey gets its share of pummeling during the storm season. We’ve experienced the true-life heartbreaking stories…and have proudly helped families restore their property after they’ve thought there was no way to repair the damage. In the process of helping property owners recover after a windstorm, we’ve also learned about some other surprising lifesavers that can protect you and your property from a windstorm. Here are 8 tips we hope can help you.

1. Your Door

Wind pressure can rip your home open at its weakest points. You may think the most likely points of damage are the windows, but doors are also vulnerable. Doors manufactured before 1994 aren’t usually rated for pressure. Consider replacing your exterior doors with newer models that are code approved for both wind pressure and debris impact. Have them installed to open outward rather than inward.

2. Wooden Furniture

Ikea may be the store of choice for [Boston]-dwellers, but invest in at least one sturdier, more solid piece of wooden furniture. It can be your best friend during a tornado or hurricane. As part of your emergency preparedness plan, think about which table, desk, or workbench you can easily move to the safest part of your house such as the bathroom or closet (make sure the furniture fits through the door). When you hide under this piece of furniture, you will have an extra shield against falling debris – including heavy pieces like roofing materials or tree branches.

3. Mulch

Gravel and rock are lovely choices for landscaping. But they can easily become deadly projectiles in high winds. They can break your windows and cause shrapnel-like damage to the human body. To avoid this danger, use materials such as wood mulch instead of gravel in your flowerbeds, and pave your driveway with concrete instead of pebbles.

4. Trimmed Greenery

Speaking of power lines, you can decrease your risk of electric shock by making sure the city is doing its job. Anytime you see vegetation and trees growing into the utility lines near your home, give the city a call to report this unsafe condition. When they cut back vegetation, this reduces the risk that you will step outside after a windstorm and find that downed power lines are energizing the puddles of sleet around your home.

5. Duct Tape (Duck Tape)

Don’t laugh! This adhesive really is very useful during and after a windstorm. Securing windows with duct tape does little to improve protection from broken glass (boarding up your windows is ideal). But it can be helpful for other last minute safety adjustments since this tape is strong and waterproof. For instance, duct tape can also help prevent water leaks around windows and doors from wind driven rain and snow. Plus, you can use duct tape to secure blankets around windows and doors to help stay warm when the power goes out when a windstorm is accompanied by a blizzard.

6. A Whistle

If you get trapped under debris, blowing a whistle may save your life. A whistle’s sound will travel farther than your voice with far less effort, and it can sometimes be heard through solid structures. A safety whistle will get the attention of rescuers faster and save you from losing your voice from shouting.

7. Waterproof Heavy Duty Flashlight

You can use a bright flashlight to signal rescuers in low light situations. If you sustain injuries that prevent you from speaking, flashing a light can draw attention to you when you need help most. Take a moment to learn SOS in Morse code if you don’t know it already (· · · — — — · · ·). Power may be out immediately after a windstorm. A reliable emergency light source will help you get around in the dark without injury. Keep in mind that a flashlight may require backup batteries to ensure longer life.

8. Air Purifier

If you’re an apartment dweller, an air purifier that removes both particulates and chemicals may help keep your family comfortable indoors during a severe-weather event (assuming the power stays on). As staying inside is your safest option in any windstorm, you might as well still have access to fresh air!

The First 5 Calls to Make After a Snowstorm or Flood

Posted on: 01/12/2012

Who should you call when a disaster strikes your home? In some cases, this depends on the nature of the catastrophe. If a major flood or snowstorm has hit Northern NJ, you may be in the middle of a natural disaster that is affecting hundreds or thousands of families. In this case, landlines and cell towers could be affected, limiting who you can contact immediately.

In contrast, if a tornado touched down briefly or a household fire started down the block, the damage maybe limited to a few homes. It’s still a disaster for you if your house was involved, but you’ll probably have access to more immediate support.

In general, here are the most important calls to make:

First Responders – Emergency services are likely to be overwhelmed in the event of a snowstorm or flood. Call 911 only if there is an immediate danger to your life and health or that of your family. Otherwise, contact neighbors or friends to help you out (or so you can help each other).
Utilities – A broken gas line or a downed overhead power line can be a serious hazard after a flood or blizzard. Call the utility company right away to address the issue. Move to a safer area until a crew arrives and corrects the problem.
Loved Ones – You’ll want to contact family and friends to let them know you are OK and to check on their well-being. In the event of a major disaster, use text messaging when possible to minimize the overload on the voice network. Get in touch with at least one person who lives outside your local area. This individual may serve as an important contact point in getting you the help and information you need (such as the distribution locations for the American Red Cross or local relief agencies).
Shelter – If your home is unsafe or completely destroyed in a major disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be able to provide temporary housing. The number is (800) 621-3362 to register for assistance. FEMA may also have vital information about where to find necessities like food and clothing after a disaster.
Restoration – Once you’ve ensured your family is safe, it’s time to start the process of rescuing your home. This involves contacting your insurance company, submitting a claim and working with a company that specializes in property damage clean up and repair. Most policies require you as the homeowner to make immediate reasonable repairs to your home following a disaster to prevent additional damage and will reimburse you for these repairs. Don’t wait for a contractor to knock on your door (there will be all kinds of fly-by-night repair companies coming through your town after a snow storms and floods). Be proactive in calling a licensed restoration company that specializes in repairing the specific type of damage your home sustained in the disaster (we suggest Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Northeast NJ).

Additional Tips:

The amount of warning you have before an event can also affect your communication strategy. You might be able to make some of your calls ahead of time rather than after the fact. For example, notify your employer that you probably won’t show up for work tomorrow because a major weather event headed your way is likely to cause damage.

And if you know someone who is experiencing a disaster in their own city, be in contact with them and let them know you’re there to help. You may be able to serve as a resource to them even from thousands of miles away.

September is National Preparedness Month

Posted on: 09/09/2011

Every year, Paul Davis of Northeast NJ participates in National Preparedness Month in September to spread the word to individuals and families about the importance for being ready for disasters.

The program is sponsored by The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign. Visit www.Ready.gov for information.

The key is to be informed and have a plan that you and your family discuss and practice. It is equally important to have an Emergency Ready Kit stocked and ready in case a disaster strikes. Below is a quick list of the items that every Emergency Ready Kit should contain.

Water – one gallon per person per day for at least three days
Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
First aid kit – to include bandages; sterile gloves; antibiotic ointment; iodine/alcohol pads; medical tape; pain reliever; emergency blanket; thermometer; prescription medications, and other prescribed medical supplies.
Clothing – A change of clothing and a sleeping bag for each person
Battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio, extra batteries
Cell Phone and charger
Flashlight and extra batteries
Filter masks – to cover mouth and nose
Heavy weight garbage bags, plastic sheeting and duct tape – to protect against debris and toxins
Waterproof, portable containers – for critical documents such as IDs, insurance policies, bank account records, computer backup files, emergency and law enforcement information, and other priority documents. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.

See our Emergency Ready Kit video.