Picking Up the Pieces:Immediate Response and Clean-Up

Important Recovery tips from the University of Minnesota Extension Service

Immediate Response and Clean-Up Cards:

Damaged trees and debris are major causes of injury during clean-up. Use proper protection and help from professionals.
Account for all hazardous materials and chemicals.
Before you get started, assemble a bare essential first aid kit for minor injuries that may occur while cleaning. You'll need bandages, clean wipes, antibiotic ointment, and other supplies.
Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and hot water.
f you get a puncture wound during clean-up activities (or at any other time),you may need a tetanus-diptheria (Td) booster shot. These are recommended every ten years. You should see your doctor right away if there's any question about whether you need one. However, be aware that the risk of getting tetanus is generally very low. Unless you do sustain a puncture wound, getting a tetanus booster is not a high priority.

Wear heavy pants and long sleeve shirt, or coveralls.
Use heavy work gloves or leather gloves.
Wear durable work boots with intact soles and steel toes if possible. DO NOT wear sneakers or open toed shoes!
When using tools wear spproved impact resistant safety glasses. Power tools require additional protection.

Many of your possessions may have become watersoaked. With care, you can salvage many items. Remember to take pictures of damage for insurance claim purposes.
Carpets and rugs require professional care to prevent mildew. Move them outdoors and rinse them immediately. Then send them to a professional cleaner.
Use caution with any electric dryers around wet items.
Wet carpet underpads cannot be saved.
Only expensive rugs are worth saving after soil or sewage contamination.

Wash soaked bedding with bleach as soon as possible. It is better to risk losing color than risk contamination.
Contact a mattress renovation company to see if soaked mattresses can be saved. Often, they cannot.
Water-soaked pillows should be replaced because they are almost certain to carry dangerous bacteria or molds.
Spread and air-dry individual papers. Press flat with a warm iron or flatten under weights.
Stand books on end to airdry. Put paper towels between every 30 pages to wick out water and change towels frequently. If you can't attend to soaked books immediately, freeze them in a plastic bag.