12 tips for cleaning up after a hurricane, flood or tornado
12 tips for cleaning up after a hurricane, flood or tornado"
- Select a language for the TTS:
- UK English Female
- UK English Male
- US English Female
- US English Male
- Australian Female
- Australian Male
- Language selected: (auto detect) - EN
Play all audios:
Extreme weather events — flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, major thunderstorms — are becoming more common in the U.S., and disproportionately affect older adults, who may have health issues,
socially isolate or refuse to leave their pets or homes to go to a safer area or shelter. When it’s all over, the aftermath can feel as overwhelming as the event itself for an older person
trying to navigate repairs from water and wind damage, standing water, debris removal and mold and grime. If your home was in a particularly hard-hit area in the path of high winds or
surging water, assessing property damage can be daunting. You could face power outages, water and wind damage, standing water, and the need for debris removal, plus mold and grime. Still,
an effective cleanup is possible if you plan carefully. Here are suggestions for how to stay safe, limit further damage to your home and ensure you’re documenting property damage
appropriately for when it’s time to sort out the post-storm mess. 1. DON’T RUSH TO RETURN Head home to assess damage only when local authorities say it’s safe to do so. Wait until
floodwaters have adequately receded and roadways have been cleared of fallen debris and power lines. 2. COME PREPARED WITH PROPER SAFETY GEAR Your home may not have electricity when
you return, so pack flashlights or battery-powered lanterns and charge your smartphone beforehand. Also, remember that when hurricane floodwaters enter your home, the water can bring with it
“an unknown level of contaminants,” says David Ragsdale, a production manager with Servpro Industries. To protect yourself against potential bacteria and mold, pack plenty of N95 masks and
gloves. Ragsdale recommends latex or nitrile gloves — or even simple dishwashing gloves — for cleanup. Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves. Watch out for glass,
nails or other debris that could poke through a shoe or clothing. 3. CHECK THE EXTERIOR FOR SAFETY HAZARDS AND STRUCTURAL DAMAGE Before entering the house, check for evidence of downed
power lines, gas line leaks, large tree limbs that may have fallen on your roof, or other signs of major structural damage. If you note any of these safety risks, don’t enter without getting
a professional opinion about your home’s structural safety. Video: What to Do After Disaster Strikes 4. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING Once inside, take photos of everything as it is — before you
begin cleaning up. Walk through the house and photograph or record a video of each room carefully, noting any damage to the house itself, as well as your furniture, electronics and other
personal property. Even photograph the insides of closets, cabinets and drawers. Don’t throw anything to the curb without photographing it first — if you do, it will be difficult to provide
your insurance company with a complete damage inventory, says Jim Taylor, head of claims customer relations for Farmers Insurance.
Trending News
Innovation in cancer clinical trials - sharing international experienceWorld news story INNOVATION IN CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS - SHARING INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE On 15 May 2015, the British Emb...
‘return and surrender’: hd deve gowda to rape-accused grandson prajwal revannaBreaking his silence on the sexual abuse allegations against his grandson and Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, former Prime Mi...
Piercing 'girls' a window to civil rights movementFrom “Do the Right Thing” to “Get on the Bus,” director Spike Lee has made some of the most hard-edged and unsettling Am...
TV review: Drug-smuggling ‘Red Widow’ is hard to get behindTo create a successful antihero, a writer must pull off a narrative sleight of hand, convincing the audience that black ...
Thailand sweeper carrying dog to work takes internet by stormAs part of a bring-your-dog-to-work policy which was introduced in Thailand to reduce work stress of employees toiling i...
Latests News
12 tips for cleaning up after a hurricane, flood or tornadoExtreme weather events — flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, major thunderstorms — are becoming more common in the U.S., a...
Haryana announces youth policyChandigarh, Feb 13 (IANS) The Haryana government here on Wednesday announced a policy to empower the youth to achieve th...
Spaceflight record-holder in orbit againAccess through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution ...
Promising new 'liquid biopsy' blood test could improve cancer treatmentDoctors are hopeful that a new blood test, called a "liquid biopsy," could dramatically improve the way they monitor and...
Mukesh ambani is earning this much in rent from luxury fashion brands at jio world plazaMukesh Ambani's daughter Isha Ambani led Reliance Retail, in 2022, signed a long-term franchise agreement with Bale...