Hurricane recovery tips

If you’ve evacuated the area, wait for public officials to say it is safe before returning. Each year, a significant number of people are injured or killed while cleaning up after a hurricane. Scams is another way storm-survivors are targeted. Being informed of scams is one way to avoid post-disaster scams. Click here to get that information. Here are more hurricane recovery tips:

Stay Safe

Do not wade in floodwaters, which can contain dangerous debris like broken glass, metal, dead animals, sewage, gasoline, oil, and downed power lines

Do not enter a building until it has been inspected for damage to the electrical system, gas lines, septic systems, and water lines or wells

Wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, rubber boots, and masks to protect you from debris and airborne particles, e.g., mold and dust

Do not use electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water

Protect your pet following a hurricane. To learn more, visit ready.gov/animals

Stay Healthy

Throw out any food including canned items that were not maintained at a proper temperature or have been exposed to floodwaters.

Do not eat food from a flooded garden. When in doubt, throw it out

Avoid drinking tap water until you know it is safe. If uncertain, boil or purify it first

Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage, bacteria, and chemicals

Use appropriate personal protective equipment to avoid injury from possible exposure to mold and bacteria including gloves, goggles, rubber boots, and N95 masks

Steps for post-hurricane clean-up

AIR OUT by opening all doors and windows whenever you are present. Leave as many windows open when you are not present as security concerns allow

MOVE OUT saturated porous materials such as mattresses or upholstered items, especially those with visible fungal growth

TEAR OUT flooring, paneling, drywall-remove 24.5 inches of drywall from the bottom up from the finished floor level, insulation, and electrical outlets saturated by floodwater

CLEAN OUT disinfect any remaining debris and mud

DRY OUT the building and any remaining contents

TAKE PICTURES of the damage for future property-loss claims