The hurricane has passed. You and your loved ones are safe, which should be your priority after a hurricane. Now the next step is checking the extent of the hurricane damage on your property. It’s no secret that a hurricane’s aftermath can be devastating. Despite the catastrophic damage, you still need to go back home.
But how do you clean up your home after a hurricane? Your first solution should be Residential Junk Removal Services in Kansas City | EZ Junk Removal. Working with a junk removal company helps lighten your load and makes your work much easier. But if you prefer doing the work yourself, here are a few tips you can use to clean up your home after a hurricane.
Proceed with Caution
While you may be eager to get back home, it’s important to remember that your house isn’t the same as you left it. Your safety and that of your loved ones should be your top priority, even before you enter your home. Therefore, make sure you:
- Don’t walk in areas with floodwater. It contains several unforeseen dangers like snakes, sharp objects, or downed power lines that can electrically charge the water.
- Ensure your water supply is safe for consumption
- Wash your hands with clean water and soap to prevent waterborne diseases like skin rash, wound infection, or cholera after flooding.
- Don’t rush into your home. Only enter your home when the local authorities tell you it’s safe.
- Come prepared with safety gear. There is a high likelihood that your home may not have electricity. So, make sure you pack battery-powered lanterns or flashlights.
Have a Communication Device with You
Communication after a disaster is important. So, before you start cleaning your home up, ensure you are connected. Fully charge your phone. Ensure that you have backup batteries for your tablet or phone. Also, stock up on batteries for your portable radio and flashlights you can use when there’s no power.
Survey Your Home
Before entering your home, make sure you survey both the interior and exterior. Take photos of the damage you see and take detailed notes. For the exterior part of your house, look for gas line leaks, fallen tree limbs, and downed power lines. This evidence will come in handy when filing an insurance claim.
If debris and mud are left on your home’s exterior after the hurricane, hose it down. Mud can quickly seep into your home’s interior and cause wood damage and mildew. While still outdoors, check for any signs of roof damage due to fallen trees.
For the interior, shovel out mud, if any, and try to remove water as quickly as possible. If there are any broken windows, cover them with plywood or tarps until replacement or repair is done. Once you can safely enter your home, you can take inventory of other damages you see.
Contact Your Insurance Agency as soon as Possible
Never put off calling your insurance company. The best time to call them would be once you know and have documented the extent of the damages to your home.
Address the Water Damage
Now that you know how severe the damages from the hurricane are, the next step is addressing the water damage. Start by cleaning up any remaining dirt or water residue using a push mop, broom, or wet/dry vacuum. Ensure that you open the windows; this will help the moisture in the floors and walls dry out faster.
Remove and replace the damaged or soggy insulation and drywall in your home. You can use dehumidifiers if your house smells due to mold and mildew. A dehumidifier can help keep the air comfortably humid until you make bigger repairs.
Sanitize and Clean Items you can Salvage
You can salvage items like metal furniture, cabinetry, wood, dishes, and countertops, depending on how long the water lasts in your home. You can use products designed to clean and restore wood furnishings to give these items a new lease of life. Also, sanitize kitchen countertops, solid surfaces, and bathrooms after washing them.
Discard Damaged Property
Unfortunately, most of your electronics may not work after the hurricane. Therefore, ensure you dispose of them appropriately. For example, don’t throw your electronics on the curb. Also, you can dispose of any organic matter according to the city’s waste disposal guidelines.
Remember, getting back on your feet won’t be easy. But by taking the step to clean up your home, you get one step closer to rebuilding.
