Starting Hurricane Helene cleanup? Here's how to deal with flood and storm damage

Cleaning up in the wake of a hurricane can be challenging and hazardous for homeowners. Downed power lines, flooded areas, and storm-tossed debris can threaten your safety.

If you’ve evacuated ahead of the storm, first determine whether it’s safe for you to return. Wait for official announcements and make sure roads are clear.

Stay out of damaged structures until a building inspector or other official assesses them for safety. If you suspect or detect a gas leak, notify authorities immediately.

If you’re at home and the storm has passed, make sure everyone is safe. Check the surrounding area for downed wires and other hazards. If the area is clear, proceed with the cleanup.

Determine whether you need professional assistance. If you're doing it yourself, here are some cleanup tips:

Make sure you have personal safety gear

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Here is what the CDC recommends :

• Hard hats
• Goggles
• N95 masks (or a respirator with a higher protection level)
• Heavy work gloves
• Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank)
• Earplugs or protective headphones (if you’re working with noisy equipment)
• At least two fire extinguishers (each with a UL rating of at least 10A)

However, if you're also cleaning up sewage, wear these:

• Rubber boots
• Rubber gloves
• Goggles

It's also wise to bring flashlights or battery-powered lanterns in case the power is out.

Take these steps in cleaning up

The American Red Cross recommends a cleanup procedure that includes:

• Opening doors and windows to air out the house.
• Removing remaining water, dirt or mud, and damaged items.
• Cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces.
• Disposing of food, beverages and medicine that have been exposed to floodwater.
• Discarding wood cutting boards, wood utensils and baby bottle items.

If your house got wet, it probably has mold

Water-damaged homes will usually have mold, even if you don't see it right away. Mold can start growing within a day of water contamination. Homes must be dried out as soon as possible.

Certain types of molds can produce toxins and cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

The CDC recommends you wear face protection to shield your mouth, nose and eyes from mold spores.

On hard surfaces, use a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup (8 ounces) of household laundry bleach per 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces, the CDC says. Dry surfaces thoroughly after cleaning.

Items deeply infested with mold, such as drywall or other soft materials, will probably have to be discarded.

Don't overstress yourself

Work in teams of two or more people to move heavy objects. Don't individually lift items weighing more than 50 lbs.

Remember to pace yourself by resting when you're fatigued, and hydrate regularly. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and take breaks in shaded areas. Be mindful of heat exhaustion and take steps to prevent it.

Are you using a chainsaw?

Wear protective gear, including gloves, eye protection, and protective chaps. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when operating the machine.

Keep the chainsaw away from electric lines and be careful when cutting branches or other items that are bent under other objects.

Where do I put damaged items?

Move unsalvageable items and debris out of the house but check with local authorities on where to put them for pickup. Photograph damaged items for insurance and check with your insurance company if a visit by an adjuster is needed.

Take precautions if you're using a generator

FEMA advises you keep your gas- or diesel-powered generator outside living spaces and away and downwind from doors, windows or other openings. Generators produce carbon monoxide , a deadly odorless, colorless gas.

What if I have dangerous materials?

The CDC recommends you contact the local fire department to check or remove items such as chemicals or propane tanks. If you handle such items yourself, wear protective clothing.

Source: USA TODAY Network reporting and research; Associated Press; Federal Emergency Management Agency; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Red Cross; AARP; American Family Insurance

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Starting Hurricane Helene cleanup? Here's how to deal with flood and storm damage