1. Large Appliances/White Goods

   1. Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. 

   2. All doors must either be removed or secured with tape or screws.
      
      

2. Construction Debris

   1. Lumber, roofing, and other structural debris strewn by storm

   2. Furniture

   3. Personal belongings

      1. If you suspect that materials contain lead-based paint, keep them moist or contain materials in plastic bags so that the paint does not become airborne
         
         

3. Vegetative Debris

   1. Trees, tree branches, logs, plants, leaves
      
      

4. Hazardous Waste

   1. Oil, batteries, pesticides, cleaning supplies, compressed gas, paints

   2. If you suspect that materials contain lead-based paint, keep them moist or contain materials in plastic bags so that the paint does not become airborne
      
      

5. Electronics

   1. television, computer, audio equipment, phone, DVD player

• Try to keep scrap metal materials at some degree of separation from other materials. Scrappers are always present. Some obtain permits to salvage, others just go for it. While many operate respectfully, there are still plenty who will create a huge mess for a few dollars’ worth of metal.

• Check with the homeowner to find out if they want scrap metal items set aside. Many people scrap or know somebody who does, and may be hesitant to mention it thinking they are asking us to do too much. The same mentality can similarly arise with salvageable items. Reassure them that you would rather take the time to separate what can be saved than throw it all out. It may not seem like much, but it literally puts cash back into survivors’ pockets.

Section 4: Walkthrough

1. Clear Exterior Debris

• Remove debris from around the home: Start by gathering any fallen branches, leaves, and trash scattered around the house. This action will not only prevent contamination but also help the ground dry faster after flooding or heavy rain.

• Reduce contamination and increase safety and efficiency: Ensure that all types of debris, such as sharp objects, unstable materials, and slippery substances, are cleared away to create a safer working environment and facilitate the cleanup process.

2. Clear Interior Debris:

• Shovel mud, silt, and debris left by the flood: Use sturdy shovels to remove thick layers of mud and silt. Be cautious and wear protective gloves and boots to avoid hazards like glass shards, nails, harmful chemicals, and possible critters hiding within the debris.

3. Remove Water-Damaged Belongings:

• Prioritize removing bulky, soaked items like furniture and clothing: Focus first on large, waterlogged items that can harbor mold and affect air quality inside the house. For example, start with sofas, carpets, beds, and heavy coats. Dispose of these items properly in accordance with local waste management guidelines.

• Do not open refrigerators that lose power for over 48 hours: Opening such refrigerators can release foul odors and potential biohazards. Instead, secure the doors using duct tape or screws to ensure they stay closed, and then move them out carefully for safe disposal.

4. Debris field sweep

• Form a line, maintain pace, and shift volunteers to clear sections evenly: Organize volunteers into a straight line. Move systematically across the field, ensuring everyone progresses at the same speed to cover the area uniformly.

• Grid dense areas and complete each section thoroughly before moving on: Divide cluttered zones into smaller grid sections. Make sure each section is meticulously cleaned before proceeding to the next to ensure no debris is overlooked.

• Assign a team to collect salvageable items and move them to a dedicated area: Designate specific volunteers to gather keepsakes and items that can still be used. Transport these items to a safe, dry location where they can be cleaned and sorted for recovery.

• Rake remaining debris into small piles, isolating hazardous materials: Use rakes to consolidate leftover debris into manageable heaps. Separate any potentially dangerous materials, such as broken glass, sharp metal, or toxic substances, to prevent injuries and further contamination.

• Focus on property recovery and hazard mitigation, not large pile creation: Aim to recover valuable property and reduce hazards rather than generating large debris piles, which can cause additional safety issues.

• If heavy equipment isn't available, haul debris to designated piles after sorting and salvaging: When mechanical aids aren't an option, manually transport the sorted debris to predetermined collection sites following the salvage sweep. Ensure salvaged items are kept separate and secure throughout the process.

Section 5: Salvageable Belongings: 

When clearing out a home, always be attentive to potentially salvageable items that hold value for the residents, such as jewelry, photographs, important documents, keepsakes, and other valuables. Due to the stress and chaos following a disaster, residents may be unsure about what to save or may feel overwhelmed and mistakenly believe they have already retrieved all important items. They might even instruct you to discard everything. It is crucial to approach this task with purpose and mindfulness, ensuring that nothing of value is overlooked.

• Sentimental items such as heirlooms and photographs: consider using specialized cleaning techniques to remove dirt and mold. Photographs can often be cleaned with a soft brush, following which they should be air-dried on a non-porous surface. For documents, use freeze-drying methods to prevent further damage from water exposure.
  
  

• Non-porous materials: Many non-porous materials can be saved if they can be thoroughly sanitized. This includes items such as glass, metal, and certain plastics. Clean these items with a mixture of water and a mild detergent, followed by a disinfectant solution to remove any harmful bacteria or mold.
  
  

• Clothing and fabrics: Clothing and other fabrics that can be machine washed are typically salvageable if washed promptly before significant mold growth occurs. Although fabric heirlooms can be salvaged later into mold growth stages, it is important to note that the foul smell may persist for years, and the fabric's integrity will be severely compromised. Use hot water and a strong detergent to wash the clothing and dry them completely to prevent mold from returning. For delicate fabrics, consider using professional cleaning services to ensure they are handled properly.
  
  

• Furniture: Solid furniture that can undergo complete reupholstering may be saved. However, items made with particle board or pressboard, mattresses, and most couches and armchairs cannot be salvaged. For wooden furniture, it is crucial to dry the item completely to prevent mold growth. Sanding and refinishing may be necessary to restore its appearance. If reupholstering, ensure the internal structure of the furniture is intact and free from mold.
  
  

• Electronics and appliances: Most appliances are not salvageable after a flood. While some may still function, proper sanitization is usually impossible, and they become potential fire hazards due to electrical issues caused by corrosion. However, some electronic items such as computers and televisions may be salvageable if they were not directly exposed to water. Consult with a professional to assess the damage and determine if repair is possible.
  
  

Taking a meticulous and mindful approach to salvaging belongings not only helps residents retain valuable items but also ensures a safer and cleaner environment for recovery efforts. By following these detailed guidelines, you can maximize the chances of preserving important possessions while minimizing health risks and property damage.