Hurricane Cleanup Supplies

The aftermath of a hurricane or large storm can be overwhelming. You might be dealing with downed tree limbs, debris across lawns, branches blocking driveways and roads, and standing water creeping into basements and first floors. It’s a lot to handle. But damp conditions put your home at risk. Mold can develop, appliances can become unusable, and your floors can become damaged, often to the point of irrepair. How prepared you are makes all the difference between a difficult recovery and a safe one.  

With the right hurricane clean-up supplies and storm recovery equipment, you can restore your home and property and get life back on track. Whether you’re clearing debris or just prepping for the season, storm and hurricane equipment is a must. 

Safety First Know Before You Clear

The most crucial hurricane clean-up equipment rule is: safety must come first. Before you grab any hurricane cleanup tools or start your storm cleanup project, there are steps to take to protect yourself and those around you. Hurricanes often leave behind threats that may not be obvious at first. Watch for hidden power lines, unstable trees, and unsafe drinking water—and know how to respond if you do come across these things. 

• Protective gear: You should have sturdy gloves and waterproof shoes or boots. Safety goggles are a good idea, and a respirator or good-quality mask can protect you from contaminated debris and mold spores. 
• Survey your entire property: Look for any electrical hazards before you do anything. Live wires, gas leaks, and trees that might splinter and fall are all things to be aware of. 
• Don’t touch or move downed lines: Report any downed power lines immediately. Your local utility company is equipped and trained to safely remove them. Stay far away.
• Watch for animals, structures, and other hazards: Displaced wildlife is a common issue after a hurricane. You’re likely to find hidden hazards beneath standing water or piles of debris.

Heavy Thrash Bags & Cleanup Tools

Storm debris clean-up can be a huge task. Contractor-grade trash bags will stand up to the job. You might be removing everything from wet insulation to small branches to ruined textiles and more. Sharp and heavy items will probably shred ordinary garbage bags. 

Having the proper clean-up hurricane cleanup tools will speed up the process and ensure you limit any further property damage or contamination.  

Hurricane equipment to have on hand include: 

• Shovels to scoop mud, gravel, and large debris
• Push brooms to clear driveways, walkways, decks, porches, and patios
• Tarps for covering exposed roofs or securing any salvageable outdoor items

For Downed Trees & Branches: Chainsaws

If fallen trees or limbs are blocking access or threatening your home, a chainsaw is essential. ECHO chainsaws are ready for any storm clean-up job. They allow you to safely remove heavy trees and limbs as you clear driveways, streets, and walkways. You can also cut trees that have been damaged or uprooted.  

Chainsaws are essential for: 

• Quickly cutting and stacking trees and large wood debris
• Breaking down wood for curbside pick up or disposal
• Trimming damaged limbs
• Making roads and walkways accessible again

Clearing Debris Quickly: Leaf Blowers

Hurricanes and other large storms often leave behind small debris, such as leaves, pine needles, and lightweight insulation. Long after you take care of the major branches and trees that were impossible to ignore, small debris is likely to remain scattered. A leaf blower makes it easy to clear walkways, driveways, and more. Gas and battery-powered models are especially beneficial, since they work even when the power is out (as long as the battery is charged or you have gas). 

A high-quality leaf blower: 

• Lets you quickly remove layers of debris so you can clean and sanitize areas
• Reduces manual labor
• Makes clean-up time more efficient
• Reaches corners, tight spots, and harder-to-reach areas, like under cars or porches

Managing Heavy Debris: Chipper/Shredders

If your home is surrounded by trees, a chipper/shredder is going to be a game-changer in your post-hurricane recovery. Chipper/shredders quickly turn branches, limbs, and brush into usable mulch. Your ECHO chipper/shredder can reduce how many trips you make to the curb, help prevent fire hazards, and offer cost savings by creating usable mulch for your landscaping. If you’re not ready to purchase your own chipper/shredder but are dealing with a post-storm mess, you can often rent these for a reasonable price.  

Chipper shredders are great if: 

• You have a lot of yard debris
• Your local collection services are overloaded or delayed
• You’re looking to convert waste into mulch

Combat Moisture Indoors: Dehumidifier & Fans

Heavy rains, leaking roofs, and flooding during and after a hurricane are the primary causes of severe property damage and mold. Use dehumidifiers and high-velocity fans to dry out flooded areas like basements or crawlspaces. 

Dehumidifiers and fans help: 

• Drastically lower humidity levels, stopping mold before it starts
• Dry out carpets, furniture, and walls
• Dry subfloors to protect their structural integrity
• Reduce musty odors
• Eliminate allergens