Natural disasters can change lives in an instant. Even if your home is left relatively intact, you may be faced with a monumental cleanup after. In this case, knowing the proper steps to take for disaster cleanup will help you restore your home while also ensuring you and other inhabitants are kept safe.

Protect Yourself

When involved in disaster cleanup, it’s crucial to protect yourself against potential hazards. Rubber boots and gloves will protect when raw sewage is an issue, while goggles will help keep your eyes safe from debris or contaminated water. Also, don’t try to power through the cleanup effort. Take rest breaks as needed and always receive help when moving heavy items.

Make Sure Your Kids Are Safe

When water damage is an issue, you run the risk of contaminated water coming into contact with your children’s toys. In this case, disinfecting toys is crucial to reduce the risk of illness — remember that cloth tools aren’t able to be disinfected and should be discarded. Bleach is key in this regard, and you can mix a solution of one cup bleach per five gallons. Toys should be washed thoroughly to ensure any germs have been removed, and once they’re completely disinfected, they can be left to dry.

Prevent Mold Growth

Water in the home can also lead to mold growth. The key to preventing mold from growing is to remove water as soon as possible. It’s also recommended that you open all the windows and doors, which can help air out your home. Some items will unfortunately need to be discarded, such as mattresses and carpeting. You may also need to remove drywall in the event damage is severe.

While the above information is certainly helpful, you can also choose to leave disaster cleanup efforts in the hands of the professionals. In Berkeley County, WV, Blue Ridge Property Restore offers a wide range of services capable of addressing a myriad of disasters. If your home was damaged by flooding, these technicians provide water damage restoration as well as mold and mildew removal. They will also help homeowners whose properties were damaged by fire and will even work with you to simplify the insurance claims process. If you’d like more information about the complete listing of services, feel free to visit them online. You can also call (304) 262-8100 for more information on the company.