After The Storm Hits Clean-Up Checklist - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

CLEAN-UP CHECKLIST:

• When cleaning your yard be cautious of downed power lines. Downed power lines could spring to life, snapping like a fully charged, loose water hose as power comes on without warning.
• Bag small waste, such as leaves and sticks, to help crews speed the clean up.
• Call professionals to remove large items, such as uprooted trees.
• When cleaning up debris, be sure to keep trash away from fire hydrants, water meters and other infrastructure.
• Separate hazardous substances, such as pesticides, paints, antifreeze and other chemical products, from regular household waste.
• Report illegal dumping to your local government, law enforcement or environmental agency.
• Cut large debris to 4-foot lengths and keep piles under 4-feet high.
• Do not burn debris piles. There may be natural gas leaks in your area.

**Anyone with property damage can apply for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).FEMA requires people with claims to register by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362). FEMA works with various organizations to help bring donations and other assistance to hurricane victims.