The U.S and Canada are large countries, spanning a diverse array of environments.  As such, we're all vulnerable to experiencing a variety of natural disasters.  One day, seismologists believe that a major earthquake will hit the west coast. There is always a chance of wind storms and the damage that accompanies them.  Fire can be caused by natural elements such as lightening, or they can be caused by man.  Whatever the cause, fires destroy everything in their path.  Water is another element that tends to cause damage.  It may be from a burst pipe, a flooded river or a sudden down pouring of rain.

When disasters such as these strike, the aftermath is often devastating.  Feelings of hopelessness, anger and worry are common.  As cliché as it may sound, the best thing to do is to pick yourself off the ground and get to work.  It's not going to clean itself and the faster you get to work, the faster your lives can get back to normal. 

Fire Damage Cleanup

When a fire happens, there are multiple aspects of cleanup and restoration that come into play.  Soot must be removed from the surfaces of everything.  The putrid smell of smoke must be removed.  Air ducts need to be cleaned or you will be smelling smoke every time your furnace or a/c unit turns on.  Clothing and porous surfaces must be washed.  Artwork may or may not be salvaged.  Depending on the extent of the fire, structures or walls may even need to be rebuilt.

Water Damage Cleanup

Water damage can happen from a variety of sources.  An unnoticed pipe leak, a clogged drain, a nearby flooded river and a strong rainstorm can all lead to water damage.  If you are lucky, it is a small leak in a contained area that is easy to fix and restore.  If you are not so lucky, the canal behind your home gave way and you have six feet of water in your basement. 

It is important to remove the water, remove all items that were damaged, dry everything out and then assess what can be saved and what needs to be replaced.  Oftentimes in a large flood, you will need a professional service to help you with this. 

Wind Damage Cleanup

Wind disasters can range from a strong wind storm that blew some shingles off your roof to a full blown tornado that tore the roof from your house.  Wind may cause trees to be uprooted, windows to be broken and siding and roofing to be ripped from your house.  Once the wind has subsided, it is important to assess the damage and clean up what you are able to.  If it's just a tree that's been knocked over, you may be able to handle the cleanup yourself.  If the siding is ripped from your home, you will likely need professional help to get it restored.

Disasters everywhere can stem from a variety of elements – either manmade or by nature.  Whatever the cause, it is important to get to work with the cleanup as fast as possible.  Be sure to use safety precautions and know when to call a professional.