When natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding hit, the clean-up can be immense. Every situation is individual and should be judged as such because not all clean-up efforts in all locations affected by a disaster will require the same types of efforts.
Indeed, the clean-up can vary from just picking up strewn items to full-blown remediation and bacterial and chemical decontamination of your home and your belongings. For that reason, it's important to be especially cautious and thoughtful in the approach to beginning the clean-up and restoration of your home.
Listen to your public officials
At these times, local, state, city, and federal government public officials will be directing the clean-up. The officials where you are will be aware of the needs in your particular area. So, it's especially important that you follow their directives. You also should be aware that you may be legally compelled to follow the directives of your public officials. This is for your protection and the protection of those around you.
As we've seen on TV and read in newspaper accounts, following a disaster there are a number of health and safety considerations that can affect your ability to 1) get to your home; and, 2) begin clean-up at your home. These considerations can range from overturned railroad chemical cars that could contaminate water sources, neighborhoods, etc., to biological problems ranging from sewage contamination to insects, diseases, and other biohazards.
Do what you can to help yourself
As a former insurance claims adjuster, I can say with confidence that your insurance company will expect you to do what you can to begin clean-up efforts yourself -- provided it's safe and legal for you to do so. This is called "mitigation." Mitigation means that you've made a reasonable effort to begin doing what you can to prevent further loss and damage.
So, if you're able to wash your clothing, do so. If you can do some clean-up around your home safely, do what you can. Obviously, you must judge your particular circumstances to determine the level of assistance your particular home needs -- whether that's a complete re-build or if restoration by an approved restoration company is even possible. You'll need to assess this yourself, talking with officials in your area and/or your insurance representatives, if necessary.
Safety is first and foremost
If you're allowed back in your home, bear in mind that your safety -- and the safety of others -- is paramount. You must protect yourself from hazards. If you're concerned or have doubts about the stability or safety of your home, check with others in your area and get help from officials. There is no sense in compromising yourself or your family because your lives are worth more than any home or any amount of belongings.
The uninvited guest after flooding
After you've begun the clean-up process, you should be aware that one of the biggest problems from flooding may still await you. That problem is MOLD. Mold is very serious, and if your home has been flooded it will require special care to prevent mold from growing once you're able to move back in. This requires special cleaning. The Centers for Disease Control have some guidelines to help you with this task as does the Environmental Protection Agency (see Related Links at the side).
Where to go for more information
Below are some resources to check for information on topics ranging from clean-up, disaster relief, and help.
FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Association
This link will take you to the FEMA website for the 2005 Hurricane season and has additional links for further resources such as how to file a claim, how to rebuild safe homes, and applying for federal assistance.
Centers for Disease Control Hurricane Information Web Page
The CDC has a very helpful page with links to information about disease, clean-up, mental health concerns, hazards to be aware of such as electrocution, and mold growth, among others.
Cleaning and Restoration of Your Home
Simple cleaning is important to begin putting your home and life back together after a flood or hurricane. However, when there has been extensive water damage, more extensive recovery work and restoration must be done. This link takes you to the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration website where they have published restoration guidelines for victims of storm and flood damage.
Don't go it alone
As Americans we often try to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, as the saying goes. However, at a time like this, it's important to make sure you objectively assess the livability of your home -- or if it can even be made liveable again. So do be sure to use whatever resources and experts available in your area to help you objectively assess what your home needs so you can begin to safely re-enter or rebuild your home -- and your life -- again.
DON'T FORGET: Join this newsletter to have cleaning ideas delivered right to your email in box!
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Calender -- the calendar that helps you end the power struggle with your house. Keeping a clean home is about knowing what to clean when. Virtually everything that needs to be cleaned is on this calendar in a year-round cleaning schedule that helps you keep your house clean easier and faster. Click here for more information.