A disaster can strike at any time, leaving your belongings damaged or destroyed. If you’re lucky, you may be able to salvage some of your belongings after a disaster. Here are some tips on how to salvage your belongings after a disaster:
1. Assess the damage. The first step is to assess the damage to your belongings. If your belongings are wet, try to dry them as soon as possible. If they’re covered in debris, gently brush or shake them off.
2. Clean and disinfect. Once you’ve assessed the damage, you’ll need to clean and disinfect your belongings. If your belongings are wet, use a mild soap and water solution to clean them. If they’re covered in debris, gently brush or shake them off.
3. Dry and store. Once you’ve cleaned and disinfected your belongings, you’ll need to dry them completely. The best way to do this is to air dry them in a well-ventilated area. Once they’re dry, you can store them in a dry, cool place.
4. Inspect for damage. Once you’ve dried and stored your belongings, you’ll need to inspect them for damage. Look for cracks, chips, or other damage. If you find any damage, you may be able to repair it.
5. Replace what you can’t salvage. If you can’t salvage your belongings, you’ll need to replace them. You can usually find replacement items at your local hardware or home improvement store.
Sources:
https://www.ready.gov/clean-and-disinfect