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Cleaning Up After the Storm
Do not wait for W&E to clear your street. If possible, get your neighbors together to clear the area for police or ambulance, but do not over exert yourself.
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W&E should pick up trash as soon as possible; priority is given to household garbage, so separate it from other trash and debris. If you fail to do so, you will create a health risk and attract animals.
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Make temporary repairs as soon as possible to keep further damage from occurring; make sure you document damage with photos, insurance policies pay for these temporary repairs. Know your insurance policies and keep all receipts.
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If you hire an individual or business to help you with repairs, check to make sure they possess a permit authorising them to do the work. This is for your own protection.
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Never pay the entire amount before repairs are completed. Reputable contractors will not demand huge down payments.
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Get a receipt for everything.
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If there is a large amount of water inside your home, leave it well ventilated to allow for drying.
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Home Clean-up
If your insurance does not cover it, or you wish to clean your home after the storm, follow these guidelines…
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Remove water from the home by bailing or pumping it out as soon as safely possible.
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Remove excess sand and mud before it dries.
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Air out your house by opening all windows, this will help dry out your walls and carpets.
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Scrub your floors and walls with soap and water.
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Appliances
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Unplug all appliances as a safety precaution.
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Remove odors in your refrigerator by cleaning with detergent and water. If odor remains, wash with baking soda or ammonia.
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Clean outside of ovens with a grease cutter, then with water and soap clean oven.
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Sanitise washers and dishwashers by pouring a disinfectant into the empty washer.
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If possible, run a cycle using hot water.
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Use disinfectant solution to clean dryer. Rinse with water.
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Leave dryers, washers and dishwashers open to dry out. Sanitise all areas that will be used in and around these appliances.
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Clothing
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Remove mud by hand by rinsing repeatedly. Use machine when you can no longer remove the dirt and soil by hand.
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Because clothes soaked by floodwaters may be contaminated, clean with a disinfectant.
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Remove mildew stains by using detergent and bleach.
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Carpets/Rugs
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Shampoo rugs and carpets immediately. Use an electric fan to dry or hang on an available line.
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Check the base of the fiber on rugs and carpets for mildew.
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Mattresses/Furniture
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Have your mattress cleaned/sterilised by the company where you bought it.
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Clean wooden furniture outside the house. Return in house to dry.
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Remove water spots and stains with turpentine.
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Upholstered furniture needs more extensive cleaning if it has been water soaked. You will need to clean springs and coils and replace stuffing.
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Televisions/Stereos/DVD Players
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Unplug all appliances and let them dry thoroughly. Do not open to dry. Let it dry by itself.
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When you plug it in, if it doesn’t come on, smokes or makes a cracking noise unplug immediately and take it to be repaired.
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PREPARING FOR THE STORM
DURING THE STORM
CHILDREN'S CHECKLIST
CARING FOR YOUR PETS
AFTER THE STORM
CLEANING UP AFTER THE STORM
HURRICANE KIT
WATCHES & WARNINGS
EMERGENCY CONTACTS & SHELTERS
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