Whether you spend the duration of a storm snuggled up warm in bed or sitting in a storm shelter, you have to deal with the aftermath once the storm ends. Depending on the type and intensity of the storm, you may have quite the mess on your hands.
Unfortunately, many homeowners approach these messy yards without really knowing the best way to attack the debris left in the wake of a storm. In this blog, we give you five guidelines to help you clean your yard as safely and efficiently as possible.
1. Survey the Entire Area
Before you begin any cleaning effort, walk the perimetre of your property. Take note of any damage to your property, including trees and shrubs. Take pictures of any property damage you may need to reference in an insurance claim.
Once you know the extent of the mess, come up with a basic cleaning plan. It may help to work on the area you need cleared the most first. For example, your driveway is likely a higher priority than your lawn.
2. Contact Relevant Professionals
Once you know what you’re working with, contact any experts whose help you need before you change anything on your property. You may need to communicate with any of the following professionals:
- Gas or electric technician
- Homeowners association
- Insurance company representative
Report any problem areas you noticed to the relevant authorities. Remember not to approach any standing water or downed power lines. Leave these safety hazards for trained professionals.
3. Decide How to Dispose of Waste
After you take advantage of any help offered by your municipality, insurer or homeowner’s insurance, evaluate the remaining mess. Think about how much waste you see on your property.
Will you be able to dispose of it through your usual kerbside pickup? If not, decide on another removal method. If you have a truck, you may decide to haul the waste yourself. If you cannot haul the rubbish on your own, consider hiring a skip bin to simplify the cleanup process.
4. Use Correct Protective Gear
As you prepare to tackle the debris on your lawn, take precautions against injuries. Make sure that you and anyone who helps you has protective gloves, long pants and sleeves and necessary hand tools.
If you’ve enlisted the help of teenagers or children, take a moment to teach proper lifting techniques and tool usage. Additionally, ensure that all workers know to stay away from leaning trees, exposed utility lines and other serious safety threats.
5. Inspect Your Drainage Systems
You will likely have many areas to clean during this process. However, you should almost always start with your drainage systems. You need clear gutters, kerbs and storm drains to reduce the risk of further damage to your property.
Correct drainage eliminates standing water, which makes debris more accessible and diminishes the threat of pests and mould.
Once you clear your drainage systems of fallen leaves and other debris, work according to area priorities. As you clean up, have your helpers separate organic waste, like tree branches, from other debris, like man made trash. This step can simplify the disposal process.
If you are unsure about what debris you are responsible for as a homeowner, talk to your homeowners association or municipal representatives. In some cases, an organization may be responsible for helping you clean up broken branches and wind-blown waste.
RememberThese Tips
Regardless of whether you clean as part of a team or as a one-man crew, keep the tips listed here in mind. These guidelines can protect you from the rigours of extended cleanup as well as the risk of injury or more property damage.
Backyard Bins Team
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