Cleanup & Debris Removal

The injuries come from chainsaws, falls, nails through shoes, and trees under tension.

• Wear heavy work gloves, boots with a puncture-resistant sole, eye protection, long sleeves and long trousers. Hearing protection with a saw
• Never work alone, and never work in the dark
• Assume every wire is live. Do not touch a tree that is touching a line — call the utility
• Trees under tension are the real danger. A bent or leaning trunk holds enormous stored energy and can whip or roll when cut. If you are not trained, leave leaning trees, hangers and anything over your head to a professional crew
• Chainsaw rules: both hands, feet planted, never above shoulder height, never from a ladder, and know where the bar tip is at all times
• Watch for asbestos and lead in anything built before about 1980 — do not sweep or break up old siding, insulation or plaster dry. Wet it down, and consider an N95 at minimum
• Take breaks and drink water. Heat exhaustion in July while wearing full protection is a genuine risk
• Check your tetanus status before you start, not after you are cut

After a storm of this size, cities and villages typically announce special collection for storm debris, separate from normal garbage. Watch official city channels for the schedule in your community.

The rule that saves you a second trip: keep debris in separate piles at the curb, not mixed together. Crews use different equipment for each and will often skip a contaminated pile entirely.

Typical separation:

• Vegetative debris — branches, trunks, leaves
• Construction debris — lumber, drywall, roofing, siding, carpet
• Appliances — refrigerators, washers, water heaters ("white goods")
• Electronics — TVs, computers
• Household hazardous waste — paint, solvents, fuel, batteries, propane cylinders
• Normal household garbage

Do not block the road, a fire hydrant, a storm drain, a utility meter or a mailbox with your piles.

Not confirmed yet for your community? Check your city or village website, and please submit the schedule here once it is announced so neighbors can find it.