VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Hurricane Milton has come and gone and people like Bob Knox in Port Orange are cleaning up mess the storm left behind, but this isn’t your typical trash pickup.
“Sometimes you go to pick up a palm frond like this. You wanna kind of watch as you’re looking to make sure there’s not a snake, water moccasin or what have you there,” Knox said.
Knox said sharp objects, prickly tree branches, power lines and several hidden dangers in the debris can hurt you, even the water.
[RELATED: Where Milton ranks among strongest Atlantic hurricanes | Strongest winds so far in Central Florida from Hurricane Milton | Download the FREE News 6 hurricane app]
“You really have to watch out for contaminated water. This water out here and a lot of these other areas can have any kind of bacteria or sewage mixed in,” Knox said.
That’s why the former machinery worker said safety is a top priority.
“I’m going to wear my earplugs and my safety glasses. I’ve had stuff fall out of the trees and poke me,” Knox said.
Professional Debris Removers agree and also a sharing tips
“Try to get it in and compact in a small as you can and just consider your weight and where you’re taking it at,” said Joshua Corlett Cunningham Lawn and Landscape.
“Be safe in the water because it could be slippery you know on the water and if you’re gonna come out here to the landfill, make sure you got a four-wheel-drive. It’s pretty wet up there and a lot of people get stuck,” said Albert with Albert & Sons Tree and Lawn Service.
Next Friday, Oct. 18, Volusia County will start removing debris from curbsides in unincorporated areas and county maintained roads.
For a county-by-county list on debris removal plans, click here.
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