Top 10 Post Disaster Cleanup Tips

Just a few days ago, Hurricane Sandy caused quite a catastrophe on the eastern shores of the United States of America where it shook the progressive states of New York, Florida, and a few others that were included on the hurricane’s dangerous path. Homes were flooded, properties destroyed, power lines disconnected, and lives were taken. Now that Sandy’s gone, what’s next? People have to move on with their lives and clean up the mess that nature brought to their homes and businesses. These top 10 post disaster cleanup tips are not only applicable for the citizens of America, but to families and individuals all over the world that have encountered tidal waves, earthquakes, flash floods, and other natural disasters that have partly destroyed your abode.

10. Outside Cleanup

There is no better way to clean the home than doing it inside out; that is from the different rooms of the house to the yard, the sidewalk, and other areas near your residence. You may have called government agencies and service groups to remove trees, boulders, and other debris obstructing your activities outside, but you must also do the responsibility of sweeping away trash, scattered leaves, and other garbage that just make your home an ugly sight from the neighbors or passersby. It is also not that bad to have litter compiled in trash bags and have it placed on the side where it would not get in the way of pedestrians.

9. Fortify the Wall

Just like the roof, your wall is also susceptible to wear and tear especially when it endured nature’s harsh punishment, whether it deployed the destructive wind or the shaking earth. Check on loose nails, cracks, and also holes that may become bigger if they have been unattended. If it is necessary for you to seek for the services of a professional home repair guy, then you are advised to do so. Word of advice: You have to do this quickly in order to assure that nothing gives when the next minor disturbance occurs in the near future.

8. Check the Roof

Whether it involves earthquakes or hurricanes, you have to check the roof if the shingles have been shaken or blown off. You have to fix them right away as taking it for granted may compromise your ceilings when rain starts pouring in. Even with the slightest of openings, water will definitely seep in any hole, which will find its way inside your house. So rather than saying sorry later, tending the roof should be one of your outdoor priorities.

7. Fix Shattered Glass

Shattered glass can be classified by broken windows, shattered mirrors, fallen glass containers, and even dislodged lighting. You have to broom glass no matter how small the fragment is, as it may actually be the cause of many accidents, especially since everyone has contact to the floor. As for the windows, you have to at least place some board when you do not have the time or the resources to replace the glass. This way, your safety and protection will not be compromised in any way. Extra Tip: You should have placed your bed away from picture frames and windows in order to avoid further accidents.

6. Take Out what is Left Inside

Before taking your course of action in cleaning and fixing whatever has been damaged within the house, the first thing that you should do is to remove all distractions and stumbling blocks that may hinder your progress with the cleanup. For earthquakes, it could be debris that blocks the way, or water from basements and other contained spaces, in case of flash floods and mudslides. It may take the most of your energy since you may use additional tools and equipment to complete the extraction process. Though this is the case, completing this step would prove to make your restoration or renovation effort easier.

5. Prepare your Cleanup Solution

Your cleanup solution may be as simple as preparing a broom and vacuum cleaner for taking out leftover dusts and dried mud, and could be as complex as buying disinfectants and other liquid cleaners to wipe grime and other mess that have been stuck on various surfaces. Consider sewage waste that crept into your home, which usually smells terrible when taken for granted. In order to achieve amazing results with the cleanup, be sure to purchase solutions that address specific items, such as furniture surface, wall, window, or carpet cleaners. The last thing you would want to do is to compromise cleaning that may not completely rule out the mess you are taking care of in the first place.

4. Open Windows and Doors

Opening windows and doors not only helps in taking out the fumes that were left behind with the ruin of light materials such as wood, paper, and other things that have been compromised during the natural disaster, but it also gives you a better breath of fresh air. Dust and other damage leftovers can also be taken away with ease. Once everything are opened, placing fans in strategic locations can circumvent the air in areas where drying can be difficult. This is done to avoid the formation of molds, mildew, and other bad bacteria that sticks in your furnitures, fixtures, and even your walls.

3. Shut Down Electrical Supplies

Before you start cleaning and do all the other jobs that you have to do, make sure to shut down the circuit breaker first so that you do not have to experience electrical shock when it hits you. Once this step has been done, remove every appliance that is still plugged in to the power outlet. Only have them plugged in again if you have done the appropriate steps of removing molds, and have dried the house.

2. Call the Government for Cleanup Assistance

Remember that there are certain cleanups that cannot be taken care of alone. This is especially applicable in cases where there are fallen trees, and huge debris that have damaged your home or property. It is your right to ask for their assistance as they have accessibility and the financial resources to deploy trucks and other heavy equipment to accomplish what needs to be done. Plus, this is the time when you can prove the usefulness of the tax you are paying for your country. You may call the fire department, police assistance, community services, and others that are available to do the job.

1. Take Pictures before Cleanup

While many people think that this tip is for the sake of asking for financial insurance, there is more to it than just addressing money concerns. It actually gives you a perspective of what you can actually do to fix the home or property while conducting a survey of the extent of damage sustained. The pictures can also serve as a simple blueprint of how restoration or renovation could go, based on your assessment or the analysis of a foreman, in case you hired for professional services to fix your home. It is more of hitting two birds with one stone.