After the Storm: A Yard and Exterior Cleanup Plan
Once the wind drops, the instinct is to start dragging branches. Slow down. A few things come before cleanup.
Safety first
- Treat every downed line as live. Stay well away and report it to the utility.
- Stay out of standing water. It can hide debris, and it can be energized.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas company.
- Wear closed shoes and gloves. Storm debris is full of nails, glass and metal.
- Run generators outdoors only, far from doors and windows.
Document before you move anything
Walk the property and photograph all sides of the house, the roof from the ground, fences, the yard and anything damaged. Take wide shots and close-ups. Your insurer will ask for them, and you cannot recreate the scene later.
Work in this order
- Access: clear the driveway, the front door and paths so people and vehicles can get in and out.
- Drainage: clear ground drains and anything blocking water from leaving the yard.
- Hazards: remove hanging items, broken furniture and loose fence panels that could fall.
- Debris: gather branches, fronds and leaves.
- Repairs: fences, gates, screens, exterior touch-ups.
Sort debris the way your city asks
After a major storm, cities usually announce special pickup. Yard waste, construction debris and household trash are generally collected separately. Keep piles at the curb, away from hydrants, mailboxes, meters and parked cars, and check your city's notice for the details.
What belongs to licensed trades
- Roof damage and tarping: a licensed roofer.
- Large fallen trees, or anything on a structure or near a line: a licensed tree service.
- Electrical or plumbing damage: licensed electricians and plumbers.
- Structural damage: a licensed contractor.
If water got inside
Wet drywall, flooring and furniture need drying fast in this climate. That is the work our sister company DryMiami does. Once the area is dry, we handle rebuilding the finishes.
A warning about door-to-door offers
Storms bring out people offering quick work for cash up front. Get the scope and price in writing, and for licensed trades, check the license with the state before anyone starts.
For yard and exterior cleanup, fence repairs and putting things back in place, see hurricane prep and cleanup.
Rather have someone do it?
Send us your list with a few photos and get one written quote for all of it.
