Picking Up After Irene...

Now that Hurricane Irene is history, for many people the headaches are just beginning, in the form of the massive cleanup effort that will be required in her wake.  Irene left behind billions of dollars in damage that simply cannot be repaired overnight.  Indeed, her effects will be felt for months and quite possibly years to come.

If you are looking around at what used to be your home or business and wondering “now what?” here are a few tips to help you get a foothold on something resembling recovery.

Don’t Use Medicines Affected By Flood Water.  If you have flood damage, you should assume that all food, water, and medications have been contaminated.  Prescriptions can always be refilled, so play it safe and get rid of everything that has come in contact with flood water.

Make The Most Of Your Apps.  We live in the most advanced technological society ever, and information on disaster relief and changing weather conditions are as close as your iPhone.  Social media has become an excellent way to determine what is going on in a given scenario, and is passed along with lightning speed.  You can download useful apps from FEMA, The Red Cross, and other disaster recovery outfits.

Avoid Debris Piles.  Of course you will want to start cleaning up as soon as possible, but try to avoid exchanging one mess for another.  Many people who are cleaning out their homes will simply chunk debris into their front yard, creating a small mountain of junk.  Debris piles can create new hazards if left unattended, and depending on their location, may impede access to gas lines or fire hydrants. 

Know Your Tools.  Chainsaws are one of the most popular tools for cleanup following a natural disaster.  Unfortunately, they can also cause problems of their own.  Thousands of people are injured every year as a result of simply not being careful when using such tools.  Always wear gloves, eye protection, and cut resistant leg chaps when using chainsaws.  If the job you’re facing looks too big for you to handle, it probably is.  

Know when you give up doing it yourself and call in professional help.

Have A Backup Plan.   Knowing that storms like this usually knock out power to a wide area, consider investing in a good quality generator that can kick in and continue supplying power to your home in the event of a disaster.  Stationary, outside-mounted generators are popular, since they run on propane or natural gas and supply more power. Kohler's $3,700 12RESL delivered more than 10,000 watts and costs less than many in its class.

Beware Of Scams.  Anywhere there is a disaster, there will always be folks who have decidedly less than your best interests at heart.  In fact, they are just there to part you from as much money as they can.  From the Consumer Reports blog: “Beware of unsolicited emails and calls, which may come from scammers trying to sound like a well-known charity. Also know that legitimate groups sometimes hire direct mail or telephone telemarketers who take a substantial portion of the donation. It’s always best to bypass any middlemen and give directly to an organization that you know can help.”

Of course, Water Damage Local.com is available 24/7 to handle all of your flood damage, water removal, and restoration needs.  Call one of our IICRC certified providers today for a free estimate.