Debris Clean-Up
Tips for clearing your own debris
Heavy equipment contractors will be arriving soon to collect and remove storm debris piles.
In the meantime.....
DOs
Call Your Insurance Provider First
Before removing debris, contact your insurance provider and ask what documentation they require. They may want photos, receipts, or an inspection before cleanup begins. Taking this step can help protect your ability to receive reimbursement.
Take Pictures
Photograph everything from every angle possible before moving or clearing debris. These photos will be necessary to prove your claim and seek reimbursement later.
Sort Debris by Type
Sort debris into the following categories:
- Electronics
- Large Appliances
- Hazardous Waste
- Vegetative Debris
- Construction Debris
- Household Garbage
DON'Ts
Do NOT Take Storm Debris to Landfill
Storm debris will be picked up and disposed of by teams contracted specifically for this purpose. In most cases you will not need to haul debris yourself.
Do NOT Pile Debris in the Road
Do not block the road with debris. Pile it as neatly as possible NEAR the road, but NOT in it.
DON'T Throw Out Everything
Do NOT include the following items in storm debris piles:
- Tires
- Dead Animals
- Hazardous Waste, like paint cans
Debris Clean-Up
Step-By-Step
Step 1: Interior Debris Removal
- Debris separation in accordance with the attached guidelines.
- Remove all flood-affected items, separating out those that can be cleaned or restored.
Step 2: Mucking Out (Mud Removal)
Equipment needed: Flat shovels, wheelbarrows, 5-gallon plastic buckets, protective goggles, work gloves, ear plugs, face masks, bleach, industrial brooms, dust pans, garden hose, mops, power washer, towels, and hand sanitizer.
- First remove mud, muck, and silt deposits.
- Hose out the area.
Step 3: Gutting Flooded Structures
Equipment needed: Pry bars, wheelbarrows, 5-gallon plastic buckets, protective goggles, work gloves, dust masks, bleach, claw hammers, screwdrivers, industrial brooms, sledge hammers, dust pans, heavy-duty outdoor extension cords, gas cans (if using a generator), ladders, work lights, a first aid kit, mold treatment products, scrub brushes, and bottled water.
- Remove damaged trim and molding.
- Remove damaged drywall at least two feet above the water line. Cutting at a four-foot height allows for replacement with full sheets.
- Remove damaged wall paneling.
- Remove damaged insulation.
- Remove nails from studs.
- Place all removed materials at the curb according to debris management guidelines.
- Remove damaged floor materials:
- Carpet and padding
- Flooring
- All nails
- Remove damaged electrical materials.
Final Step: Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Scrub surfaces as needed.
- Use a mold treatment product as needed. Bleach alone is not adequate.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Remove any remaining standing water with a shop vacuum.
- Sweep out and bag any remaining debris.
Returning Home After a Flood
Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures
