A natural disaster is a traumatic event. It can be hard to figure out what to do after surviving something so overwhelming. It is best to try to clean up your home and figure out what you need until you can get back on your feet. Finding things you need will make it a little easier to focus on what needs to be done. And it will give you time to think about what that is.

Call Your Insurance Company

They can tell you if there is any damage or cleaning service that is covered by your policy. You will want to file a claim, anyway. They may have advice or recommended services and a list of who to contact. If the service is covered by your insurance, you’ll want to make sure that it is an affiliate or something the company has approved.

Designate Areas

You’ll need an area for trash and an area for things you want to keep. This will help you sort through things faster. You’ll want to be on the lookout for important documents if you don’t already have them. Make sure that you have a dry area to put things you want to keep; you won’t want to put them someplace they aren’t safe.

Be Careful What You Move After A Natural Disaster

You’ll want to pay attention to where you step and what you move. If something is unstable or broken, you may not see it at first. The site of any natural disaster can be a dangerous place. Take your time and pay attention to the area. Make sure that you’re using gloves; you don’t want to hurt yourself while you’re cleaning. It’s also a good idea to wear old jeans or pants that you don’t want anymore if you have some.

Dry As Much As You Can

You want to try to get everything dry, before mold sets in. The more you can dry off now, the better. Mold can be expensive to remove, and that will be the last thing you need after what you’ve been through. Drying things you’re going to keep, as you go along will make it easier.

Use Bleach

Killing bacteria is important while you are cleaning up. You don’t want to let them breed or spread while you’re cleaning or after you’re done. It may seem like a lot of work now, but you will regret it later if you don’t. If it is too overwhelming, start with the things you want to keep and then move down the line. There is no point in cleaning things you are just going to throw away.

Wear a Mask

You never know if gas lines have been broken or what leaks there may be in areas where a natural disaster has happened. If you smell something funny or feel lightheaded, you need to move to a safe area and sit down. Let someone know, like a fireman or police officer. Wearing a mask will also ensure that any bacteria or mold that might have been disturbed doesn’t get easy access to your lungs.

Be Careful With Water

Sometimes water lines into sewage can be cut, and there can be a spill. Make sure that your feet are covered, and you aren’t wearing open toed shoes. Don’t drink any water that you aren’t sure of. And don’t wash your hands in water if you don’t know it’s clean. While cleaning, you may cut yourself and not know it. Allowing dirty water or sewage near those entry wounds could be dangerous.

Wear Clean Clothes

If you have access to clean and dry clothes, change them occasionally. Wearing clothes that are cold and damp will make you sick. They also attract debris and bacteria. If you only have one set of clothes to change into, change and then leave your clothes to dry while you keep cleaning. Alternate clothes here and there until you can get someplace to wash and dry them. Having dry and clean socks and shoes are essential. Going too long with damp socks can promote foot fungus. It may seem like a small problem in the beginning, but you don’t want it to grow into a larger one later on.

This is going to be a hard time for anyone going through it. Take your time, cleaning up after a natural disaster can be overwhelming. Know that you’re going to be ok and you’ll make it through this. Here is more information about cleaning after a natural disaster. You’ll also want to contact someone who has experience with cleaning up water and mold. This is a good place to start. It never hurts to ask a professional’s opinion. They won’t charge you just to call them and ask questions. And you will know whether or not you want their help, after asking your questions.