Once a hurricane passes over the cleaning work begins. Cleaning up after a hurricane is a major operation whether in your front- or back-yard or in the neighborhood. Remember, whatever the case, safety is key. Injuries and often fatalities occur during clean-up work after a natural disaster such as a hurricane.

The first thing to keep in mind is that you should work in a team. Do not work alone. Working with a partner eases the physical labor and allows one person to get help in the case of an emergency. Have a medicine-kit ready and learn about tying tourniquets and bandages. Also learn and practice CPR. Do not work beyond your fatigue limits; if you are tired and continue working you are likely to lose concentration and this can result in an accident.

For complex and major restoration and cleaning work, home owners should contact professionals who have the necessary equipment and experience for dealing with situations like these. Since professional workers are equipped with large wrenches, rubber gloves, power saws, cranes, hard hats, goggles, proper boots, etc they are in a much better position to tackle the situation.

If you decide to clean the debris yourself then use a chain saw only if you know how to and if you are physically fit. Do not under any condition try to fell a tree on your own or climb ropes. Chain saws are a dangerous hand tool and injuries while working with one are very common. When working with chain saws keep both hands on the handle; read the instruction manual twice; do not get distracted or careless while felling trees. Injuries to the legs and feet often occur when you get careless or are too tired. Wear protective equipment. When cutting always cut below waist level as it is easy to manage the saw that way. Avoid cutting overhead branches. Do not keep the saw running when refueling it or carrying it for some distance.

Since people using chain saws are wearing ear protection make sure such a person is aware of your presence as you approach him. An important tip to remember when using chain saws is that do not cut with the upper tip of the saw as this causes a very fast kickback and the saw comes back in the opposite direction. Survey the area that you have chosen to work in, agree upon predetermined signals and identify spots that are injury hazards. Keep non-workers away by cordoning off the area.