The hurricane has passed. You and your family are safe. And officials have said it’s OK to return home. Now what? How do you assess the damage safely and get everything back in order? Where do you even start? There are simple steps to help you assess the damage, including the roof, siding, appliances, gas line, and HVAC system—and get your home up and running. Follow Crystal Cleaning’s checklist for ten reliable tips on how to clean your home after a hurricane.
1. Wait for Daylight
As much as you want to get back to your home, wait until daylight, especially if the power is out, recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This tip helps you see and avoid any dangers.
2. Take Photos
Bring a camera or phone to take pictures for any insurance claims.
3. Do a Walk-Around Inspection
Always wear protective clothing such as electrical hazard boots, heavy-duty waterproof gloves, and a hard hat if there’s a danger of falling debris. Then, go with a partner to check out your house and yard, suggests Ready.gov. Be careful of standing water, submerging debris, or being electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Contact the utility company if you see this.
4. Assess Damage to Your Home’s Exterior
Check for the roof, siding, window, and door damage. Replace any missing flashing, gutters, and shingles.
Suppose you boarded up windows and doors before the storm; good for you! But be careful removing plywood sheets. Take note of nail holes left behind; these could lead to water damage later on.
5. Check for Water Damage
If your home experienced flooding, you could be sure there’s some level of water damage. Check to see if water has seeped behind your siding and into your insulation. Moisture can lead to mold and rot.
6. Inspect Your Appliances
If the power is on in your neighborhood, avoid the urge to see if your appliances still work. Take it slow, recommends National Grid. Turn on major appliances one at a time to help avoid overloading circuits.
7. Check for Gas Leaks
If you smell gas or think there might be a leak, absolutely do not turn on lights, light matches, or do anything else that can cause a spark. Leave your house immediately and walk a reasonable distance away before using a cellphone to call the utility company. The phone can produce a spark that might ignite the natural gas and cause an explosion.
8. Avoid Wet Appliances
If your electrical or gas appliances are wet, don’t use them, and don’t turn on damaged appliances. In both cases, there’s a risk of electric shock or fire, Direct Energy warns.
For example, suppose you didn’t unplug your washer and dryer, and your laundry room is flooded high enough that the water covered the electrical outlets and cords. In that case, the standing water could be electrically charged and lethal.
Even if your appliances weren’t submerged, water could damage their motors. Floodwater often contains dirt that can corrode parts of the equipment. Wet machines must be dried, cleaned, and inspected by a professional before using them safely again.
Only reuse some appliances after a flood, and replace others if necessary. The extent of damage depends on the depth of the water and the appliance’s exposure time. A professional technician can help you make the repair-or-replace determination.
9. Check if Your HVAC System Flooded
Your furnace, water heater, and AC system may have been affected by water, leading to corrosion. Worse, mold, bacteria, and other growth can lead to health risks. Replace these products since they deal with air quality. Call a qualified service provider to assess whether your system can be repaired or needs replacing.
10. Contact Crystal Cleaning
Hurricane-force winds can do a number on your home’s exterior, and flooding may damage your home’s interior, including its appliances and HVAC system. If you have any questions about how to inspect the damage safely, don’t take a chance: Call Crystal Cleaning to help you assess and clean the mess! Also, be sure to read through our ten reliable tips on how to clean your home after a hurricane!
