Hurricane and Disaster Clean Up & Resources
Many insurance policies will cover the cost of professional cleanup if you can not move a big mess yourself. Check your policy. If you must do it yourself, take "before" and "after" photos or videotapes. Pump or bail water out of the house as soon as safely possible. Shovel mud out before it can dry. Open the windows to let the house air out and give the walls and floors a chance to dry. Scrub floors and walls with a stiff brush and mild soap and water.
Ovens
Unplug as a safety precaution.
- Clean the outside with a grease cutter, then with detergent and water.
- Clean the inside with conventional oven cleaner.
Refrigerators and freezers
Unplug appliances as a safety precaution
- To remove odors, wash the inside with detergent and water. Make sure you wash the plastic gasket that seals the doors.
- Rinse with a cloth and clear water. Wipe dry.
Washers and Dryers
These appliances should be sanitized if they have been immersed in floodwater. Here's how:
- Unplug the appliances as a safety precaution,
- Pour a disinfectant into the empty washer. Run a 15-minute cycle using the hot water setting.
- Unplug the dryer and wipe the drum and dryer door with a cloth dipped in disinfectant solution.
- Rinse with a cloth dipped in clear water.
- Leave the dryer door open until all parts are dry, preferably overnight.
- When dry, the dryer can be used again.
- Leave the dishwasher door open until all parts are dry.
Books and papers
- Place books on end with leaves separated. When they are partially dry, pile and press books.
- Alternate drying and pressing until thoroughly dry.
- If books and papers are very damp, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder between the leaves to absorb moisture. Leave on for several hours, then brush off.
- When papers and books are almost dry, use an electric iron set on low heat and flatten the pages.
- Separate the pages to prevent musty odors.
- When books are completely dry, close them and clamp them closed using large C- clamps and plywood blocks to help them retain their shape.
- Photocopy very important papers because they may quickly disintegrate, even thought they've dried out.
Televisions, Stereos and VCR's
- Never open an electronic appliance to dry it inside. A television is especially dangerous. It has a tube and some other components that will retain very high electric voltages for quite awhile.
- Unplug the appliance and let it dry thoroughly. When you notice the moisture on the outside has dried, do not assume the inside has dried. Let the item continue to dry for a few more days. Placing the equipment in the sun will help but monitor the item closely. Liquid Crystal displays can be damaged by over exposure to the bright sunlight.
- After you are certain the item is completely dry inside and out, plug it in. If it won't work right away let it dry some more and try again later.
- If you see smoke or hear crackling sounds, unplug it and take it to a repair shop, you did the best you could.
- If the power indicator lights come on, leave the VCR on for about 10 minutes, then turn it off for about 30 minutes. Repeat the process leaving the appliance on for an extra five minutes each try.
- VCRs often have moisture sensors that refuse to let the machine play a tape until dry. Don't despair yet; keep following the procedures above.
- If the appliance power indicator does not come on, and your sure the outlet works, unplug it and take it to a repair shop.
Rugs and Carpets
- After shampooing, dry rugs or carpets quickly. Hang rugs on a line if possible, or lay them out flat in a warm, dry place. Use an electric fan to speed drying.
- Even though the surface seems dry, any moisture remaining at the base of the fiber tufts will cause mildew or rot.
-
If you must walk on the carpet before it is dry, cover it first with
brown paper towels. Vacuum again when dry and brush the nap in one
direction.
|
Insurance
Directory
|
|
|
Home
Owners Insurance
Compare rates from 100s of companies competing for your business. Look, learn, compare and buy!  You won't believe the savings. click here |
Car
Insurance
Don't overpay for car insurance! Free side-by-side quotes!  Compare rates online and save hundreds on your car insurance! click here |
|
Life
Insurance
Compare life insurance quotes from over 60 companies at once!  Protect your family's financial future! Save up to 70%. click here |
Medical
Insurance
Great rates and free quotes from leading medical insurance companies. HMO, PPO and major medical plans.  .
Affordable nationwide health, dental and vision insurance for you and your family. click here |
|
Search For Jobs click here  Hurricane Relief Jobs.com click here Hurricane Cleanup Jobs.com click here Search and apply for thousands of jobs in your area, free! Employers, post jobs or search over a million candidates in 37 industries like healthcare, sales, customer service and more. |
|
Bad
Credit Mortgages
 Mortgages for people with  late
payments, bankruptcy, judgments, charge offs and even foreclosure.click here |
Pre Fab Homes |
 Pre Fab Homes Save thousands building your own new home! Find prefabricated, manufactured, home kits & modular homes in your area. Dealer listings nationwide. click here |
Save up to 80% off retail on tools and outdoor equipment!
Cheap Building Supply.com
Wholesaler Of Building Materials. Source laminate, hardwood, stone, or tile flooring. Roofing, decking, siding, and more. Browse and order online or toll-free.
CheapLadders.com
Find all types of ladders at low prices.
CheapPowerTools.
Your unlimited resource for tools & garden equipment.
CheapFencing.com
Quality Fencing Products at discount prices
Discount Hardware Stores Shop for hardware, tools, equipment and accessories. Save time and money shopping for thousands of items online at discount prices! click here |
Discount Appliance Stores Free delivery on select national brand refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, stoves and more. Research, compare and buy. click here |
Discount Wallpaper Stores Wholesale prices. Free shipping and samples. 250,000 patterns. Every brand, residential and commercial first-quality wall coverings. click here |
Cheap Microwaves.com Compare prices on microwaves from over 40,000 stores across the Web. click here |
|
Charity
Fund Raisers .org
Fundraising for Charity Promote your cause and raise more money. Extend, market and manage successful fund raising events! See how much you can raise for hurricane relief! click here |