Hurricane Disaster Clean Up 

How to Safely Clean Up After a Hurricane or Tropical Storm 

While disaster clean-up is necessary after a destructive storm, it can also be challenging, dangerous, exhausting, and stressful. Depending on the impact and where you are located, damages can range from minor to severe, and there are precautions and procedures to follow for both. 

The good news is that you made it out safely! Now, continue reading to feel more confident and capable of completing essential disaster cleanup after a hurricane or tropical storm. 

What Happens After a Hurricane or Tropical Storm? 

If you haven’t experienced a hurricane or severe tropical storm, you’ve likely heard the stories– massive fallen trees, crushed cars, roads that flood into rivers, and roofs torn from the home’s structure. The aftermath of a tropical storm, hurricane, and other natural disasters varies depending on where you are and the severity of the weather.  

Sometimes, we are lucky to get through a storm with minimal damage and short-term power outages. However, at other times, it can devastate individuals, families, cities, or entire regions. 

Preparing for Disaster Clean-Up  

No matter what, it’s essential to be prepared for the worst. No one can accurately predict the effects of a hurricane, so it’s best to be ready and put safety first. 

One of the best things you can do is be prepared before the storm hits. For instance, ensure all loose objects and outdoor furniture are secured to a solid structure or taken indoors to prevent them from becoming damaged or swept by the winds, leading to more destruction or complications. 

Furthermore, if the storm predictions are severe, consider boarding the windows and stuffing towels into any gaps in your home’s structure, including under doors, controlling potential flooding. Also, you should prepare with extra batteries, candles, flashlights, plenty of non-perishable food, extra blankets, battery-powered devices like chargers, radios, or fans, and clean water. 

Safe and Effective Disaster Clean-Up 

After the storm hits, there will often be some damages to address. Remember to proceed with caution and never attempt anything you do not feel capable of or confident in.  

Remember that disaster clean-up is rarely complete in just 24 hours. More than likely, the effect of the storm is addressed for a week or longer after the storm has passed.  

Let’s explore everything you need about safe and effective disaster cleanup. 

Safety First! 

With the potential for misplaced heavy objects, sharp edges, bacteria-infested water, and more, there’s a heightened chance for injuries or illness after a hurricane, flood, or tropical storm. Your number one priority should be your safety and the safety of those around you, like friends, family, and neighbors. Nothing matters more than the well-being of people after experiencing a tropical storm or hurricane. 

Staying Safe During Disaster Clean-Up: 

• Work together, especially when addressing large objects and unsafe areas affected by the storm. 

• Avoid overexertion by taking breaks and staying hydrated. 
• Use heavy-duty equipment and machines safely by following the proper instructions and precautions. 
• Do not touch any item or substance that is unfamiliar to you. 
• Only attempt to move or shift hazardous or heavy objects with help from professionals or a team of capable individuals. 
• Address minor and significant wounds as soon as they occur to prevent infection or other complications. 

• Stay out of flood water to avoid the danger of hidden snakes, sharp objects, and bacteria. 
• Wait until the daytime, when there is plenty of light, to safely complete the disaster clean up. 

Furthermore, gathering safety gear and the correct equipment is critical to protect yourself and your property while effectively getting the job done. 

Hurricane Clean-Up Gear and Equipment: 

• Face masks 

• Heavy work gloves 
• Goggles
• Hard hats 
• Waterproof boots  
• Fire extinguishers 

• Plenty of water 
• First aid kit 
• Ear protection, like earplugs 

Always Photograph Damage or Effects from the Storm 

Before diving into disaster cleanup, taking detailed photographs of your property is important. This helps if you encounter a legal issue or need assistance with damaged items or flooding aftermath. And it’s even better if you took photographs before the start of the adverse weather, proving that all damages and complications were directly caused by the storm. 

First, Assess the Damage. 

Now, let’s get to work! Start by examining the condition of your home, office, or other areas affected by the hurricane or tropical storm. Be careful entering your home if you were away during the storm– Take it slow and wear the right gear to protect yourself from broken pieces, contaminated water, and potentially misplaced animals. 

Some of the impacts you could expect include the following and more: 

• Flooded spaces 
• Damaged furniture or home structure 

• Sharp edges and slippery surfaces 
• Electrical hazards, like misplaced or broken electrical wires 
• Broken, chipped, or fractured glass 
• Obstructed pathways 

Next, Contact Help 

In the event of an emergency or severe damages, immediately reach out to your local disaster clean up services, your insurance representative, and government assistance, depending on the nature of the issue or hazard.  

Consider contacting the following for help after a hurricane or disaster: 

• Local government and emergency services 
• Federal emergency agencies 
• Volunteer groups 

• Nonprofits 
• Medical professionals 
• Utility companies 
• Insurance companies 
• Social services 

Quickly Adress Excess Water or Moisture 

If you notice any signs of water damage, moisture, or flooding, it is vital to immediately open windows and doors when it’s safe to do so. The quicker you remove any excess moisture, the faster your space will dry and the less likely it is for significant water damage or mold to form. 

If the indoor area is flooded just by an inch or two, do your best to remove the water with buckets. Just be sure to wear the right gear and not risk coming in contact with the possibly bacteria-filled water, especially regarding your eyes, nose, and mouth. If the impact is extreme, leave the cleanup to the professionals by immediately contacting help. 

Dehumidifiers and fans may also be handy when excess moisture enters your home after a hurricane. Remove wet carpets, sheets, and rugs and hang them to dry if possible. 

Begin Clearing and Disposing of Debris 

Next, clear debris if it is safe to do so. Never put yourself in a risky situation, like lifting a fallen tree or collecting broken glass. If you and your family’s well-being is threatened by the damage or cleaning process, always contact professional services to aid with disaster cleanup. 

Once cleared, dispose of the debris properly. Most broken or misplaced objects can be thrown away in your standard trash or recycling bin. However, things such as hazardous waste, large sharp objects, and construction debris have unique procedures for disposal. Be sure to check with your local government to correctly remove the storm debris from your property. 

Clean and Sanitize 

Next, you’ll want to spend some time thoroughly wiping down surfaces with disinfectant, vacuuming, and whatever else your space needs to be back to how it was before the storm. This includes children’s toys or pet supplies. Immediately make these items out of reach to prevent the spread of water-borne illnesses or other germs carried by the storm. 

Review Insurance and Schedule Inspections 

If anything is alarming, contact your insurance representative as soon as possible and schedule necessary disaster clean-up services, like mold inspection, water damage restoration, and equipment and teams to safely remove large and heavy objects. 

 
CITED: Cdc.gov, Amfam.com, Lowes.com,