In Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, the debris from two hurricanes is piling up, leaving clean up crews racing to get everything picked up in a timely manner.
Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and all the Tampa Bay area are aiming for all storm debris to be cleared within 90 days of Oct. 11, which is the time limit set forth by FEMA for cities to get full reimbursement.
The city of Tampa has already processed 292 tons of debris so far, according to reports. The city and contracted haulers are working around the clock to get the debris removed.
How Can Residents Help with Debris Pickup?
There are a few things residents with debris can do to help crews out with debris removal. While it can take the average homeowner about 3-4 weeks to get all the debris removed from their home, the sooner residents can get these removed, the better. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when removing property damaged from Hurricane Milton and Helene from your home:
Make safety your top priority.
When managing debris, put on safety gear such as masks, gloves, goggles, long pants, and sturdy shoes. If storm-related debris in your area endangers public health or safety, get in touch with your local emergency manager. You can reach Tampa’s Emergency Management here. You can reach Pinellas County’s Emergency Management here. Stay away from damaged structures to avoid injuries, and keep an eye out for snakes and other animals.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.
Prior to beginning the cleanup, record everything that was damaged with pictures and videos. Save all invoices and receipts for any cleanup work done for immediate repairs as your insurance company will want to see these before processing your claim. If you need help with this, contact our Florida Hurricane and Storm Damage Lawyers at Whittel & Melton right away.
Exercise caution around power lines.
Do not touch, cut, remove, or place debris on downed power wires. This could result in harm, fatalities, or significant injuries once power is restored. When using a chainsaw to remove debris, make sure you take extra safety measures to keep people away from power lines and to keep yourself and any onlookers safe.
Everything that was wet should be cleaned and disinfected.
For flood-damaged structures, it is best to air water-logged items out, move them out or tear them out, clean them out, and dry them out. Always wash your hands with soap and water after touching anything that has encountered sewage or floodwater.
Be mindful of poisonous and dangerous materials.
Call the fire department to have them check out propane tanks, chemicals, and other hazardous materials – they can remove any harmful products and let you know what is safe to keep. If your neighborhood has recently experienced floods and you obtain your drinking water from a private well, verify sure the water is safe to drink before consuming. Seal hazardous garbage in plastic bags to keep it from becoming airborne, and never burn debris because it can be harmful.
Understand how to sort your debris for easy pickup.
Never let debris get in the way of traffic. Keep debris away from poles, trees, and other buildings, as well as fire hydrants and meters. When disposing of debris at the curb, you can divide it into five categories:
1. Electronic devices (phones, computers, and televisions)
2. Big appliances (such freezers, dishwashers, stoves, washers, and dryers. Make sure the doors are locked or otherwise secured.)
3. Vegetative debris (tree branches, leaves, or plants.)
4. Debris from construction (such as carpet, lumber, drywall, or furniture)
5. Waste from the home (food, paper, or packaging)
Contact Whittel & Melton for Help with Post-Storm Damage Insurance Claims
Our Florida Hurricane Helene and Milton Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want to make sure you get fairly compensated for all your property damage following both powerful hurricanes. We can help you handle the complexities of dealing with insurance companies that are busy processing thousands of claims, so that you can focus your efforts on cleanup and moving on with your life. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.