Post-Hurricane Property Safety: What to Look for After the Storm
As the battering wind and torrential rain of Hurricane Florence continue to hammer North Carolina, the immediate concern is keeping people safe from the storm’s wrath.
But once the rain and wind subside, the danger is far from over.
Fallen tree limbs, downed power lines, and flooding can leave behind significant debris, making storm cleanup an essential part of returning your property to safety.
What Should Property Managers Look for When Returning?
Take Your Time
After being indoors for hours or even days, it’s natural to want to get outside and assess the damage. But it’s critical to avoid rushing. Prioritize safety over speed when checking your property.
Use caution when traveling — avoid driving through running water and stay at least 100 feet away from any downed power lines. Report these to the utility company immediately.
Ensure Emergency Access
Can emergency vehicles safely reach your building? Make sure parking lots, driveways, and entrances are free of obstructions. Debris like tree limbs, shingles, and even outdoor furniture can block access — clear these areas first.
Check Property Accessibility
If your property can only be accessed from one direction due to storm damage, notify tenants or stakeholders. Provide alternative directions if needed.
Don’t Just Look Down — Look Up
While it’s common to scan the ground for damage, it’s just as important to check above. Hanging or partially broken branches may still fall, creating a safety hazard.
Watch for Running Water
If you see pressurized water running in areas where it normally wouldn’t — such as your parking lot — an underground pipe may have been damaged, possibly by an uprooted tree. Locate and shut off the main water line if necessary.
Check the Perimeter
Don’t limit your inspection to landscaped areas. If your property is bordered by woods, look for weakened trees, leaning trunks, or exposed roots that may pose a risk of falling.
Inspect the Building Interior
Once the exterior has been reviewed, move inside:
- Start with the basement. Check for flooding or moisture.
- Look for water damage on ceilings and walls.
- Test faucets and toilets. If water spits or sputters, there may be a leak.
- Check your internet connection — underground fiber lines may have been damaged.
- Test your HVAC system. In post-hurricane humidity and heat, working A/C is essential.
Stay Vigilant in the Days Ahead
Storm-weakened trees can fall days or even weeks later. Continue to monitor your property regularly for signs of delayed damage.
How Greenscape Can Help
Our team can visit your property to assess safety hazards, clear entrances and parking areas, and remove storm debris.
Many of our customers arranged storm cleanup services with us in advance — those clients will be served first. If you still need help, we can assist, but there may be a delay depending on demand.
Our Storm Cleanup Preparation
Greenscape crews are trained and prepared with the tools and equipment needed to tackle hurricane cleanup safely and efficiently. Prior to the storm, we secured additional equipment such as skid steers, chippers, and grapplers to ensure a fast response once conditions allow.
Clean Up Safely With Greenscape
We hope your property escapes the worst of Hurricane Florence. But if you’re facing overwhelming cleanup needs, give us a call. We’ll help as soon as we can.
Greenscape has served the commercial landscaping needs of the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary areas for over 35 years. Beyond storm cleanup, we provide landscape management, design and build services, irrigation, lighting, and more.
Call us at 919-552-7742. We’re here to help.