Oklahoma weather here in the spring and summer is well known for its unpredictability, and major storms can leave a trail of destruction in their wake. Once the storms have passed, it’s crucial for property owners to act safely and quickly to clean up their property and get things back to normal.
We wanted to provide some essential tips to help you tackle post-storm cleanup effectively.
1. Prioritize Safety First
Before you start any cleanup activities, prioritize your safety!!!
– Look at and assess the Damage: Survey your property for downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable trees or structures. If you encounter any of these hazards, dial 9-1-1 emergency services, you can also contact OG&E Energy to report an outage or wires down.
– Protective Gear: It’s a good idea to have a storm go kit that includes protective gear such as gloves, sturdy boots, and safety goggles to protect yourself from sharp debris and hazardous materials.
2. Document Damage
For insurance purposes, get out your cell phone or camera and take detailed photographs and make notes of the damage to your property. This documentation will be vital when you’re filing insurance claims and ensuring you receive the necessary compensation for repairs.
3. Remove Debris
Start by clearing smaller debris such as branches, and other scattered items:
– Small Debris: Use rakes, brooms, and garbage bags to gather and dispose of smaller debris. This will make it easier to tackle larger items and fallen trees.
– Hazardous Materials: Be cautious of potentially hazardous materials like broken glass, nails, and sharp metal objects. Handle these with care to avoid injury.
4. Tree Removal and Pruning
One of the most significant challenges after the storm is dealing with damaged trees on your residential or commercial property. Here’s what you should do:
– Assess Tree Damage: Look for trees that are leaning dangerously, have split trunks, or have large broken branches. These trees may need to be removed entirely.
– Pruning: For trees that are salvageable, prune broken or damaged branches. This will help the tree recover and prevent further damage in the future.
– Professional Help: For large or dangerous tree removal, it’s best to hire a professional tree service. Attempting to remove large trees yourself can be extremely dangerous. Call Thornton’s Tree Service Oklahoma City anytime 24/7 as we’re here to help.
5. Check for Structural Damage
Inspect your home and other structures on your property for damage:
– Roof: Look for missing shingles, leaks, and other roof damage. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further water damage.
– Fencing and Sheds: Check fences, sheds, and other outbuildings for damage. Reinforce or repair as needed to ensure they remain secure.
6. Restore Landscaping
Once the major debris and tree damage have been addressed, and things settle down you can then focus on restoring your landscaping:
– Lawn Care: Rake up leaves and twigs, and consider aerating your lawn to help it recover from compaction caused by heavy rainfall.
– Replanting: Replace any plants or shrubs that were damaged beyond repair. Consider planting native species that are more resilient to Oklahoma’s weather conditions.
7. Prevent Future Damage
Be sure to take steps after the storm to mitigate future storm damage can save you time and money in the long run:
– Regular Maintenance: Regularly have your trees and shrubs pruned to prevent overgrowth and reduce the risk of storm damage.
– Storm-Resistant Features: Consider investing in storm-resistant roofing, windows, and doors to better protect your home.
8. Seek Professional Help
If the cleanup task feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance:
– Tree Services: Professional tree services like our crews here at Thornton’s can handle large tree removals, pruning, and stump grinding, ensuring your property is safe and looks its best.
– General Contractors: For extensive structural damage, a local Oklahoma City area general contractor can help with repairs and rebuilding. Beware of fly-by-night crews that will show up after the storms offering to do repair work without being properly permitted or trained.
Longtime residents know that cleaning up after a major storm here in the Oklahoma City can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can restore your property safely and efficiently.
Please remember to prioritize personal safety, document the damage to your property, and seek professional help when needed. Here at Thornton’s Tree Service Oklahoma City, we’re here to assist with all your tree care and removal needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you recover after the storm.
