Use these hacks to tackle mud, mold and debris—while staying safe, filing insurance claims and avoiding scammers during recovery.
10 Tips For Cleaning Up After a Hurricane Or Other Natural Disaster
Published on Oct. 22, 2024
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Prioritize Safety
Before starting any cleanup after extreme weather, check for downed electrical wires, gas leaks or structural damage. Contact authorities if you notice any safety hazards. Wear protective gear like rubber gloves, boots and a mask. Avoid wading into floodwaters, as they may contain hidden dangers, waste and chemicals. If using a chainsaw to remove debris or trees, ensure the chain is properly tightened and that you’re familiar with its operation for safe use.
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Assess for Damage
Inspect the roof, foundation and exterior walls for damage before entering the home. If flooding is present, mark the water depth for drywall removal later. Check the exterior areas for damaged trees, and if you have a pool or deck, inspect these for any signs of damage as well. This assessment will help you identify immediate hazards and prioritize repairs to ensure the safety and stability of your home after the event.
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Take Lots of Pictures
Take pictures and record all damaged items that will be thrown out. Before anything gets tossed into a trash bag, make sure to record it. Keep a list of all your damaged items, including how much you paid for them and how much they are worth. Be very specific with the details of your lost items, including brand, model and price. Take pictures of serial numbers and tags. “Photograph everything so that you can show your insurer exactly what your damage is,” Sacenti says.
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File Insurance Claims Immediately
If your home is flooded or damaged during a federally declared state of emergency, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) immediately. You can file a claim application through the FEMA app, by visiting disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. You will receive a disaster registration number, which is essential for tracking your claim, updating your information and communicating with FEMA throughout the cleanup and recovery process.
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Access Electricity
If the storm knocked out your home’s electricity, you’ll need to get creative to access power. Use a portable generator to power large appliances like refrigerators, lights and medical devices if needed. Never run a generator inside a home or garage space, as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. A solar-powered generator can be used to run smaller appliances and keep phones charged. A car inverter connected to your car battery will convert DC power to AC, enabling you to run shop vacs, pumps and other electronics.
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Remove Water Quickly
“The first thing you need to do is get that water out as fast as possible,” Sacenti says. Use a submersible pump or sump pump to move large volumes of water quickly to the outside. For shallow water, use a wet/dry vacuum and empty the canister outside once it’s full. You can also contact a water damage restoration company with the experience and equipment to quickly remove water and dry out wet areas of your home.
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Try to Prevent Mold
When you return to your home, open all the windows right away to create airflow through the house. Set up and turn on any ceiling fans, box fans or dehumidifiers. “The more fans the better, then add dehumidifiers,” Sacenti says. “You need to remove that moisture from the air quickly.” Also, remove all wet belongings and furniture and bring them outside the home to dry. After taking pictures, cut and remove any wet drywall. Pull up and remove any wet rugs and pads.
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Avoid Post-Emergency Scammers
After a hurricane or natural disaster, scammers often try to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. These can be unlicensed or out-of-state contractors who typically ask for a large deposit and then disappear. “If a contractor pressures you to provide a larger deposit than what is required by law or refuses to get his or her own building permit, these are signs that you should walk away,” says D’Emilia. Get several estimates, check their license, and get a written contract before making any payment.
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Dry Out Wet Household Items
A large part of cleanup after extreme weather is to dry out wet household items. Wood, metal and plastic furniture will air dry quickly, especially in the sun. Clothing, bedding and towels can be wrung out to remove excess water, then air dried. Upholstered furniture, pillows and rugs are difficult to save if water damaged, as these dry slowly and are prone to developing mold.
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Remove Debris Efficiently
Rake leaves and twigs into piles, rake them onto a tarp or sheet, then gather it at the corners and carry to a disposal area. Larger branches can also be piled onto tarps, then dragged away. Inside the home, use a flat shovel to scoop up small, water-logged debris and deposit into large contractor trash bags. Only fill bags to the point they are still able to be moved easily without straining.
About the Experts
- Layla R. D’Emilia is the Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation in the state of Massachusetts. She was appointed to this position in 2023 and oversees the office and its five affiliated agencies.
- Michael Sacenti owns American Healthy Homes. He has 10 years of experience in the mold remediation industry and 40 years experience in real estate maintenance.
