Prompt action needed when glass breaks in your home

This week, my company has received several calls from area home owners regarding glass cleanup. For most of them, their second-floor deck fell apart because of the heavy snow load; the impact pressure from the snow and debris hitting the ground blew out their downstairs windows. Shards of glass and debris filled the downstairs living envelope, causing a very hazardous environment.

In this week's article, I thought it appropriate to discuss with the reading audience glass cleanup.

Cleaning up broken glass is a tedious chore that requires attention to detail. Some types of glass create very small shards and, after penetrating the skin, is almost impossible to get out.

Regardless of where you've broken glass or what type of glass it is, you will need a few basic household tools and remember a few safety points.

Safety precautions must be taken immediately before attempting glass cleanup.

A. Immediately clear the room of all children and pets and keep them out of the area until you are sure all of the glass has been cleaned up.

B. Inspect them carefully for cuts and embedded glass. If you find glass in their skin, you can use duct tape or super glue to pull out the shards. Using a magnifying glass helps in locating small shards.

When you're ready to begin cleaning up, a broom and vacuum works well at first. Carpets must be removed because you'll never get all of the glass out of them regardless of what you do and you'll realize that the first time you walk barefooted over the carpet. On hard surface floors, sweep as much as much of the glass as you can find into a pile and carefully remove the largest pieces and place into the trash can.

It helps if you sprinkle baking soda or baby powder on the floor to keep the smallest fragments from sticking to the floor or your broom bristles. Use your vacuum to suck up visible glass debris. After the floor appears to be clean, using a microfiber mop, damp mob the floor, changing your head frequently. For shelving, use a microfiber rag to finish clean the shelving. Once all of the surfaces are clean, throw the mop heads and rags away. If you don't, you'll pay for it the next time you try to use the rag or mop head.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC, 255-2266; e-mail him at madan@surf1.ws; or mail them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do? For more information about Ed, check him out at NWESS.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the president of NWES, Inc.