Procedures for a Safe Cleanup After a Disaster

Any kind of cleanup work can be hazardous, but cleaning up after a hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire or other natural disaster requires special care and attention. Make sure you’re staying safe and healthy during storm recovery cleanup.

Start cleanup once you know you can safely enter your home.

• Get the property and utilities inspected to make sure it’s safe to enter the building and identify potential dangers from damage, debris, and contaminants.
• Wear protective gear like safety goggles, work gloves, hard hats, and thick-soled shoes.
• Consider other safety equipment the cleanup may require. You may need to wear a respirator after a wildfire. After a flood, wear protective boots to avoid contaminated water.
• Wash your hands and face often using soap and drinking-quality water.
• Consider hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured professional to inspect your home for damage and help with repairs. You may need electricians, experts to inspect gas lines, arborists to remove uprooted trees, roofers, or plumbers. Your local utility company and government agencies may provide some of these services for free after a disaster. See Inspect Your Home After a Disaster for more information.
• Don’t remove heavy debris by yourself. See Debris Cleanup for more information.
• Downed or damaged trees might have power lines that could electrocute you. Don’t touch wet electrical equipment or any electrical equipment if you are standing in water. Turn off electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker if it’s safe.
• Take photos and video to record home damage before any repairs. See What to do if Your Home is Damaged or Destroyed for more information.

More Resources

FEMA Ready. Hurricanes. https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes