How to Clean Up After a Storm

The Essential Guide to Cleaning Up After Severe Weather

After a storm passes, it’s time to take a look at the damage your home suffered. Exercise caution while surveying your property, you may be walking through broken glass, crumbled drywall and fallen branches. There also may be hidden hazards, such as a downed power line or an unstable tree. In this section, we’ll show you how to clean up after a storm safely and smartly.

#1 Assess the Damage

How to Identify Storm Damage

1.

Damaged Shingles

Pitted and bruised shingles are common signs of hail damage.

2.

Missing or Lifted Shingles

Shingles close to your roof’s edge may be loose or completely missing.

3.

Damaged Gutters

Your gutters may be dented, hanging loose or filled with leaves and shingle asphalt granules.

4.

Shattered Panes

Windows are often broken during severe storms as a result of hail or debris strikes.

5.

Broken Frames

Your window frames may be broken as well, use caution when inspecting to avoid cutting yourself on broken glass.

6.

Cracks and Holes

Small pieces of debris can leave holes or cracks in window panes.

7.

Cracked Tile

Slate, concrete and ceramic tiles can crack or split as a result of hail and flying debris.

8.

Dented Siding

Like shingles, aluminum siding is vulnerable to dings and dents.

9.

Discoloration and Chipping

The sides of your house may be discolored due to chipped paint or cracks in the shakes.

10.

Attic Water Damage

If you are missing shingles, its possible water has seeped into your attic. Darkly-colored trusses and joists are a sign that water has leaked in.

11.

Wall and Ceiling Water Spots

If you notice new water stains on walls or ceilings, double-check the attic for roof leaks.

12.

Basement Leaks

Basements often leak during heavy rains, check for water marks on your walls or flooring if you have a finished basement.

Don't Wait to Call the Pros

"Your top priority after a flood is to get the water out as quickly as possible. Call a restoration company ASAP and get on their schedule. Don't wait until after you've talked to your insurance — they're going to be backed up and you need that water out fast. After major flooding with several feet of water, like we saw with Harvey and Irma, you need to call in the pros. If you try to DIY it with fans and shop vacs, you'll never get the water out in time to save your property and prevent mold growth."

— Paul Abrams | Public Relations Director, Roto-Rooter

Check Your HVAC Equipment

Central A/C Units

Before running your A/C unit, turn the system off at the thermostat. Then turn the unit’s circuit breaker at the main electrical panel “off” and then back to “on.” Wait 30 minutes before turning it back on from the thermostat. If the unit doesn’t turn back on after that time, it may need to be repaired.

Furnace

If your furnace was submerged in water, you will need to contact a licensed technician to inspect the unit for damage before turning it on.

Ventilation

If your ventilation system filled up with water, you should also contact an HVAC professional to drain and properly clean your vents to prevent mold from spreading to the other rooms of your home.

How You Can Help Others After a Disaster

1.Start by identifying your priorities and values when it comes to natural disasters. What matters to you? Children? Temporary housing? Long-term recovery?
2. Look for organizations that support your values and priorities by reviewing them on sites like GuideStar or Charity Navigator. Look for organizations with long-time experience and expertise in the affected areas. Brand new organizations may be good, but they are also riskier.
3. It's OK if you don't give right away after disaster strikes. It's likely that it will take a long time for a community to recover and your contribution may be even more valuable a month or even a year after the disaster."

— Robert G. Ottenhoff | President and CEO, Center for Disaster Philanthropy

#2 Start Cleaning Up Storm Debris

After assessing the damage, it’s time to start cleaning up the storm debris on your property. Depending on the severity of the storm, you may have a lot of work ahead of you. There may be trees, branches, sharp objects and even hazardous waste on your property.

Before you start picking up the pieces, make sure you take some basic precautions to protect you and your family. And if you plan to file an insurance claim, take photos of the damage as you work.

Follow These Safety Precautions When Cleaning Up Storm Debris

Keep children and pets away from floodwater, as well as damaged or hazardous materials.

Clean up and throw away open chemical containers separately to prevent dangerous reactions.

Do not drink the water or use the septic system until both have been inspected.

Avoid disturbing building debris that may contain asbestos or other hazardous materials. This can include:

Floor Tiles
Ceiling Panels
Roofing Products (over 30 years old)
Boiler and Copper Pipe Insulation

Have these supplies on hand for storm cleanup:

Work Gloves
Safety Glasses
Heavy-Duty Trash Bags
Chainsaw
Waterproof Work Boots
Respirator Mask

Find a Cleanup Solution for Storm Damage

There are a number of ways to dispose of storm debris, though the type of material and available services may narrow your options. Here are some common disposal solutions to look for in your area:

Curbside Collection

Most municipal trash collection services will accept vegetative waste, such as brush, yard trimmings and small tree limbs. Damaged building materials are generally not accepted as part of their normal service.

Storm Debris Collection

Local sanitation departments will usually schedule extra pickups after a severe storm specifically for large amounts of debris, including tree limbs larger than 4 inches in diameter and building materials.

Drop-Off Centers

If you have a lot of storm debris, you may have to haul the debris yourself to a designated drop-off center. Most yard waste can be disposed of in a solid waste landfill, while building materials can be taken to a construction and demolition landfill.

Dumpster Rental

If you can’t haul the storm debris yourself, a dumpster rental might be your best solution. Rental providers typically accept all non-hazardous materials, including yard waste (restrictions vary by location). Some common exceptions include electronics, appliances and mattresses. You can find alternative disposal options for these items on our bulk waste disposal page.

How to Clean Up After a Flood

If your basement floods, or your entire neighborhood experiences severe flooding, you may be waiting for days before a restoration company can get to your home. However, you can still help reduce the damage by following these steps:

1. Pump Out Water

2. Get It Dry

3. Tear Up the Carpet

4. Throw Away Waterlogged Items

Water Damage Cleanup Tips

Washable garments, towels and linens can be laundered in hot water and detergent. Items with visible mold are not restorable.

Hard items such as metal, glass, china and finished wood may be decontaminated and restored.

Wash all affected surfaces with a combination cleaner-disinfectant...or with household detergent and water, using a scrub brush or scraper for stubborn stains.

Saturate contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner or bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and keep wet for at least 10 minutes.

— Restoration Industry Association

How to Clean Up Hazardous Materials

Call the Fire Department

Your local fire department will inspect or remove any hazardous items you may come across, including propane tanks and chemicals.

Protect Yourself

If you must handle hazardous materials, wear gloves and protective clothing that covers your skin completely, as well as a respirator if dealing with potential airborne contaminants.

Wash Up

If you come into contact with any hazardous materials, wash your skin immediately with soap and water.

How Long Does It Take to Restore a Flooded Home?

"The biggest factors are simply the restoration company’s ability to get to you and whether or not there’s power in your neighborhood. After a disaster, streets might be impassable for a while and there are only so many generators to go around if there’s no power.

Another factor is how much of the home is flooded. Part of the restoration process is to cut away the bottom three feet of drywall in any flooded room, to ensure there’s no mold growth. So, the more rooms, the more drywall will need to be removed and replaced."

— Paul Abrams | Public Relations Director, Roto-Rooter

#3 File a Claim and Rebuild With a Contractor or Restoration Service

If your home suffered significant damage, you should file a claim as soon as you start cleaning up the storm debris. Most insurance companies require policyholders to submit a claim within a given time period, usually up to a year after the damage occurs. But the sooner you submit yours, the faster you will receive compensation.

How to File a Claim

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your provider and set up a meeting with a claims adjuster. They will inspect the structural damage to your home and estimate the cost of repairs. Most insurance companies will pay out an advance before the final settlement to get the repair process started.

Important Note for Mortgage Holders

"If you have a mortgage on your house, the check for repairs will generally be made out to both you and the mortgage lender. As a condition of granting a mortgage, lenders usually require that they are named in the homeowner's policy and that they are a party to any insurance payments related to the structure."

— Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association

Find a Reputable Contractor

A general contractor or roofer can repair storm damage to your roof, windows, home exterior and structural damage limited to a single room of your property. Use word-of-mouth, online review sites and national associations to put together a list of potential contractors. Follow best practices while narrowing down your list:

Get more than one estimate
Ask for and verify references
Ask for proof of insurance, licensure and bonding capacity
Document everything

Assess Your Belongings

If your personal possessions were also damaged in the storm, use your home inventory to add up the total cost of your lost or ruined belongings. You can submit these items for compensation alongside your original insurance claim.

Reopen Your Claim if More Damage is Found

While repairing your home, you can reopen your insurance claim to include any additional structural damage uncovered during the rebuilding process.

How Disaster Relief Agencies Help Clean Up After a Storm

"Immediately after a disaster event we send our response teams in. That phase consists of work such as mucking and gutting homes, chainsaw removal of fallen trees, debris management and removal, mold sanitation of homes and, in general, cleaning things up and getting the initial mess managed to the extent we can."

— Tom Henry | Chief Operating Officer, All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response

"Once we have partners on the ground in an affected area, we work immediately to get the things we know are of great need into the community. Things like water, water-proof kitchen supplies, flashlights, batteries, radios, basic first aid kits, hygiene items, bedding and water purification tablets. We sometimes also provide things like cleaning materials, shovels and hand tools so that people can begin cleaning up their properties."

— Mary Dolan | Director of Communications, Operation USA

Benefits of Hiring a Restoration Company

If your home suffered severe water or fire damage throughout, you should call a restoration company in lieu of a contractor. These companies specialize in cleaning up storm debris, recovering belongings and restoring homes affected by natural disasters.

Call a Restoration Service for Severe Damage

Lower Costs

Restoration services focus on saving as much of the existing structure as possible, mitigating the costs of rebuilding your home.

Specialization

These services also have access to specialized equipment, including dehumidifiers and air movers, that can expedite the cleanup process.

Familiarity with Insurance Claims

Restoration companies work with insurance companies on a regular basis. They know the claims process and can provide cost estimates faster than a regular contractor.

How to Work With a Restoration Service

Do Not Wait for the Adjuster

Restoration and storm cleanup companies can provide emergency services in order to prevent further damage – though you may have to sign a waiver. You do not need permission from the adjuster for these services.

Review Major Repair Contracts

After your adjuster has assessed the damage and determined the payout amount, meet with the restoration company to go over the specifics of your contract. Contractors may not request full payment upfront, but periodic installments during the course of the project are allowed.

Report Discrepancies to Your Insurance Company

If there is any dispute over costs or previously unreported damage, contact your insurance company. They will work to resolve the dispute, but in case they fail to settle the issue you can contact your Department of Insurance.

Tips for Hiring a Restoration Service

Certifications

"Look for a company that's been certified by the IICRC, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. You'll know that they're following the most up-to-date practices in the industry."

Find Your Own

"Choose a restoration service yourself rather than going through your insurance company. Your policy will cover the work regardless, and this way you'll know the restoration service is working for your best interests, not your insurance company's bottom line."