Here's how to clean up your home and yard after a storm

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This summer, severe weather has remained a consistent threat to life and property across the country. From dangerous flooding to damaging wind and tornadoes, strong storm systems continue to move through and wreak havoc, with millions of residents in their paths. And while many hope the severe weather will calm down, experts and data predict that even more extreme weather is coming as climate change worsens.

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Storms and natural disasters often bring damage—fallen debris, flooded homes and electrical damage are just a few examples of what many face after disaster strikes. While preparing for a natural disaster is one thing, cleaning up the aftermath is a whole different ball game. When cleaning up after something like a hurricane or a tropical storm, homeowners must proceed with the utmost caution when clearing debris from inside and outside of the home. Here’s what you need to know about safely cleaning up after a storm hits your area.

Wait until the severe weather has completely cleared

While you may want to get a head start on cleaning up, you should hold back until weather conditions have improved. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends staying up-to-date with local guidance via NOAA Weather Radio or TV updates. Public safety officials in your area should also be able to give you further information and instructions for what you should do next.

Understand and avoid potential dangers

Cleaning up after any natural disaster can be dangerous, based on the circumstances you’re facing. That’s why it’s best to evaluate what kind of risk you could be facing before beginning any clean-up.

A good rule of thumb is if the area looks dangerous and decrepit, don’t enter. Buildings with torn roofs, walls or other severe damage can risk potential injury. Before any clean-up, make sure to contact a local government authority or local building inspector about what the best next steps are. You may need a professional inspector or other local authority to evaluate the safety of your home before entering.

Immediately avoid any downed power lines that may have fallen near or on your house or yard. The CDC says you should report these electrical hazards to local police and utility companies to allow them to handle this situation.

If your home has been decimated, be sure to call local emergency services and check for any injuries to your household members. You may also need to contact your home insurance company from there before dealing with any damage.

Wear proper gear when cleaning

Similar to any other disaster clean-up, it’s essential to don the proper protective equipment. Wear a hard hat, safety goggles or other eye protection, heavy-duty work gloves and waterproof boots (with steel toe and insole preferred) to protect yourself from any debris while cleaning. Be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to protect your skin.

The CDC also recommends wearing a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator to protect from toxins like mold. While there was a shortage of N95 masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many hardware stores like The Home Depot now have them in stock.

Clean up the yard with caution

Before cleaning, you’ll need to evaluate the state of your trees before you begin picking up debris in the yard. Are there any snapped branches or limbs that haven’t fallen off yet? These could unexpectedly fall and injure you while you’re cleaning up the yard.

If you’re experienced with trimming your trees, you can tend to these areas using a saw with caution. Be sure to follow proper chainsaw safety protocols when using one, like ensuring the tree has no contact with standing or downed power lines. If the tree is large, has many damaged and dangerous limbs, or the situation just feels unsafe to handle, opt for calling a landscaping service or storm recovery service that can handle it promptly.

If the yard is safe to clean up, begin to remove any immediate debris on the ground like loose twigs, dead plants or leaves. Use a shovel or rake to pick up the yard waste and place it in a heavy-duty trash bag.

For miscellaneous outdoor debris, FEMA has recommended separating it into the following ‘other trash’ piles: hazardous waste, household garbage, and construction debris. Proceed with caution when cleaning this up and make sure debris and trash doesn’t block the road at all.

For heavier items, the CDC recommends having at least two people work together to move and dispose of these bulky objects. You may need to call for a specific trash pickup of these filled-up trash bags, depending on what your area is offering regarding post-storm clean-up.

Your gutters may also need a major clean-up after a storm. Make sure you’ve got safety glasses and work gloves on hand and a ladder that is sturdy and reliable.

Move your clean-up efforts safely indoors

Storms can leave behind not-so-obvious damage to be on the lookout for. If you suspect any damage at all, the CDC says you should shut off your home’s electrical power, gas (if you have it) and propane tanks to avoid any potential fires, explosions or electrocutions.

Also, if you begin to notice frayed wiring or sparks, or any sort of burning smell, immediately shut off the electrical system. The same goes for any suspicious gas smell, as this could be a sign of a gas leak—turn off the main gas valve and evacuate the home, not returning until you are told it’s safe to do so by local authorities.

Once your house is determined to be safe for clean-up, continue to sort debris into the proper separate piles—this may include electronics, large appliances, hazardous waste, or household garbage. You may need to set up a specific trash pick-up for this kind of waste, depending on your local services.

The CDC says to be mindful of hazards like exposed nails or broken glass around the house. Your protective gear can help to keep you safe from this kind of danger. Be sure to clean up any spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids or other potentially hazardous materials as you move through the house.

Practice precautions if the power goes out

Some storms, such as tornadoes, have a pretty high likelihood of a power outage. If you need immediate light to begin clean-up, the CDC recommends the use of battery-powered lanterns rather than candles—this minimizes the risk of a house fire starting, especially when there’s extra debris like paper or wood in the home.

You may also use a generator to keep your HVAC system and appliances going, along with charging your phone in case you need to get in contact with emergency services. But, if the weather is still severe, you may need to wait it out before using a generator, as it’s dangerous to use one in rain, snow or other wet conditions due to the risk of electrocution or possible explosion.

When it’s safe to use, be sure to keep your generator running outdoors and several feet away from the house, as exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to sudden illness or death.

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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: How to safely clean up your home and yard after a storm