Storms and natural disasters are not a new phenomenon and often occur when we least expect it. Whether you live in an area prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods or not, major damage is possible when the weather conditions are just right regardless of where you are located.
Cleaning up properly after a major storm requires a bit of preparation while taking safety precautions throughout the process.
1. Assess the Damage to Your Property and Surrounding Areas
Before you begin cleaning up after a massive storm, assess the damage done to your property and surrounding areas from a distance.
Check for fallen wires, flooded areas, and potential hazards on your roof or other areas of your lot. Be sure that if wires have fallen you steer clear from the area until an electrical company arrives to verify the safety of the area.
Related: 5 Ways to Give Your Home’s Exterior the Ultimate Reboot
2. Avoid Areas With Flooding
If you have had a large amount of rain, floods are likely to occur along with deep puddles that can interfere with electricity and other outlets around your home.
Keep away from stepping in water or working in it altogether when you are cleaning up your property to avoid potential electric shock or death.
Related: Why Working on a Home-Improvement Project Can Improve Your Marriage
3. Cut Off Electrical Connections
Shutting off electrical connections from inside of your home is highly recommended after a major storm that includes any form of water.
If you have outdoor outlets, this is a vital step to keep you and other from getting electrocuted once the cleaning process begins.
Shutting off all electrical connections also reduces the risk of shorting outlets which require additional work from a professional electrician once the weather has cleared.
4. Remove Branches From Safer Areas
Once you have inspected the surrounding area of your property, carefully begin to remove branches that are not tangled with electrical wires.
Break down branches for easier disposal and keep your lawn and property as clear as possible. If you have branches that have landed on your roof, be sure to equip yourself with gloves and safety wires if you are climbing to extreme heights.
Having another individual to assist you with branch removal is advisable, especially in the case of a fall or an extremely heavy branch that is too difficult to move on your own without help.
5. Professional Storm Clean Up Services
In some cases, professional storm damage services are an ideal solution, especially if there is a significant amount to clean up on and around your property. Hiring a storm clean up service is one way to alleviate the stress and worry that comes after the damage has been done to your home or property.
Related: Why Home Improvement Projects Are An Essential Investment
Professionals who specialize in storm damage understand the safety precautions that are needed to ensure the process goes smoothly without risking the health and lives of those involved. Working with a professional storm clean up service is a way to restore your property to its original state regardless of how devastating the storm was to your home and surrounding areas.
If you are familiar with storms in your area, taking the right precautions to protect yourself and your family is a must once a storm has done its damage and has passed completely. With the help of a professional storm clean up crew, get your property back to its original form while avoiding potentially fatal mistakes.
[…] RELATED: 5 Steps to Clean Up Properly After a Major Storm […]