Cleaning up after a storm can be a complicated and multi-faceted process, ranging from dealing with insurance companies for home repairs to disposing of downed trees. Here are some tips to help Gwinnett County residents and businesses make the recovery period a little less painful.

Crisis Cleanup Hotline
A hotline has been set up following the two recent hurricanes to match local volunteer agencies to residents who need help cleaning up their homes. Call 800.451.1954 if you need assistance.

Insurance
The County does not provide financial assistance to private property owners for recovery from a natural disaster. Homeowners should work with their homeowners insurance companies for the cost of property repairs.

• Report the loss as soon as possible to your insurer.  Have your policy number handy, and provide a general description of the damage. Write down the adjuster’s name, phone number and work schedule as soon as you have them.

• Prepare a list. Keep damaged items or portions of them until the claim adjuster has visited. Photograph or video the damage to document your claim. Prepare a list of damaged or lost items for your adjuster.

• Keep receipts. If you need to relocate, keep records and receipts for all additional expenses. Most insurance policies cover emergency living arrangements.

• Return claim forms. After your insurance company has been notified of your claim, they must send you the necessary claim forms within a certain number of days. Fill out and return the forms as soon as possible. If you do not understand the process, be sure to ask questions and write down the explanation.

Damage
The Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Department wants everyone to stay safe and offers the following tips for dealing with property damage.

Trees

• Respect the chainsaw. It may be a good idea to leave the chain saw work to the professionals. Work with your insurance provider to hire a reputable company to do the work fast and efficiently. If you do choose to do the work yourself, keep the following safety tips in mind.

• Survey the site. Look carefully for any hazards before the work begins.

• Stay away from power lines. Never attempt to cut away a tree or tree limb if electrical wires are involved. Contact the utility company to remove the wires.

• Work only from the ground. Never attempt to climb the tree or work from a ladder when cutting tree debris. Be sure to wear a hardhat and safety glasses/goggles.

• Know the proper use and operation of chain saws. Use caution when cutting with the tip of the saw to avoid kickback. 

• Keep both hands on the saw and cut at waist level or below. Never raise the saw up or attempt to cut above your head. 

• Beware of tree limbs that may be under pressure. The sudden release could cause serious injury or even death. 

• Be alert and strong. Never attempt to work on tree or debris removal when you are tired or not feeling well.

Utilities

• Be wary of any damage to the electrical system. Be mindful of any damage to the electrical meter, service line, or junction box to the home. Always have an electrician or the power company representative check the damage. 

• Never attempt to restore power to the home yourself. Power should only be restored by the power company or a qualified electrician. Damaged electrical components could spark a fire in the wall or could be an electrical shock hazard.

• Be sure to report any odor of natural gas that does not readily dissipate. The buildup of gas vapors could cause an explosion and life safety hazard. 

• Never attempt to restore gas service yourself. Doing so could cause a dangerous leak from a damaged meter or gas line. Call 911 and the gas company to report a gas leak. Technicians from the gas company are qualified to do the work safely and efficiently. 

Fire safety

• Install alarms. Be sure to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms when going back to your home after repairs are made. Keep a multipurpose ABC portable fire extinguisher in the kitchen to use on small fires.   

• Have a fire escape plan. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice fire drills regularly with the entire family. Know two ways out of the home and keep exit pathways clear. Designate a meeting place outside in the event that you have to get out fast.

• Check the chimney. Be sure to have any damage to the fireplace or chimney chase checked before use.

• Inspect your home for hazards. Look for and eliminate home hazards that could cause a fire to start.              

Contractors
If you hire contractors, check their credentials and references. There are several consumer online services that can advise you on a company’s past performance and provide references.

Trash pickup
The County’s residential solid waste haulers will pick up additional household trash through September 29. Normal limitations on the amount of trash placed at the curb will be waived for all residential trash customers in unincorporated Gwinnett County. Any household trash that does not fit into the 95-gallon trash bin should be bagged and placed next to the bin.

As a reminder, yard waste collection is an optional service that you must arrange for with your hauler. To inquire about yard waste service, contact your hauler. If you are currently a yard waste customer, please keep in mind that yard waste must meet the current set out guidelines.

If you live in a city, please call your municipal government for information about trash service.