How to Clean Up After a Storm
When a storm hits your home, there are a lot of things to take into account after floodwaters have receded and winds have calmed. In order to help return your home to it’s normal, clean state, it’s important to start cleaning up as soon as possible—so long as your home is still structurally sound and safe to enter. If that’s the case, here are a few places to begin when it comes to cleaning up after a storm.
Wear the Proper Gear
In order to keep yourself safe from any bacteria or other harmful materials, you want to make sure you’re wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber boots, gloves, face masks, and—if you’re trying to be extra safe — hard hats.
Get Rid of Hazardous Materials
First and foremost, if you had any open containers of chemicals, oils, or other hazardous materials, dispose of them safely and according to federal guidelines.
Dry Out the House
If you allow excess moisture to linger after a storm, you run the risk of your home developing structural damage and/or mold growth. Use wet vacs and industrial dryers to help remove lingering water from your home.
Repair Broken Glass
If high winds or nearby tree branches damaged your glass windows, it’s best to repair them quickly before the glass further shatters, leaving you with another mess and intruders an easy way into your home.
Remove Carpeting
Carpeting, rugs, and other upholstered furniture pieces can hold onto germs and harmful bacteria, especially if they were touched by floodwater. Remove carpeting from your home and have rugs and upholstered items professionally cleaned to ensure they don’t pose a risk to your health.
Check Electronics
Before handling any appliances or smaller electronics, make sure your home’s power is off. Even if the items seem alright, have them inspected to be sure they’re safe to use.
At College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving®, we understand the physical and emotional stress unpredictable weather can bring. We can help with junk removal as well as help move furniture and other valuable belongings into storage and offer full-service debris removal and clean up anywhere on your property, so you don’t have to pick up the pieces on your own.