What To Do Following A Hurricane Or Severe Storm

 

Disaster Relief – Hurricane Michael – October 2018

Ever since we’ve been in business, Dynamite Dumpsters has been there for all of our customers along the Gulf Coast during past hurricane seasons. Our team at Dynamite helps all affected people by providing the most durable and highest-quality dumpsters for the roughest cleanup sites. On top of dumpsters, we have also provided other products and will continue to provide them after disasters have struck. These include portable toilets, restroom trailers, dump trailers, skid steers, and clean-up crews to help assist. In the past, we have also included help with stump grinding. We have helped during the worst hurricanes and depressions, such as Laura, Ian, Delta, Michael, and, more recently, Ida.

Jimmy Wilkinson aiding in disaster relief with the Dynamite Crew – Hurricane Michael – October 2018

Now, as the days are getting more humid and the end of summer is fast approaching, we wanted to share some not-so-commonly-seen hurricane tips that will help you save your property and wallet from costly disaster repairs. We all know that it can be a hassle when it comes to cleanup or refurbishment after a severe storm, hurricane, flood, or any other natural disaster. In each post, we will share with all of you different tips and tricks to help prevent yard and property damage and how to help keep an eye out for potential damage after oncoming storms or hurricanes have passed. And be sure to keep a lookout for a post-hurricane checklist from our Dynamite team who have shared some advice that most of us wouldn’t think of whenever scanning for damage after a strong storm.

Home located next to Southeastern Louisiana University in a residential part of Hammond, Louisiana – Hurricane Ida – August 2021

During each major tropical storm or hurricane, most people are worried about running out of food, water, or power. Whatever happens to the outside of their house normally isn’t their first priority, which is understandable. However, the aftermath always finds a way to catch families by surprise whenever a gust of wind carries away their trampoline or a hail storm completely shatters their glass patio table. That is why we are here to share with you the most crucial and simplest tasks to help keep your home and property safe with you and your family this hurricane season. 

Property Inspection Checklist (Post-Storm)

  • Depending on the amount of damage that you are aware of, it might be best to keep small children and animals with a family friend or relative while you inspect the debris and property in case the terrain is rough or flooded.
  • Normally, hurricanes and strong storms have the unfortunate chance of bringing in reptiles and rodents that wouldn’t normally hang around your house. This being said, be sure to keep an eye out for any snakes, rats, or potential alligators around your property and community that the flood waters may have brought in.
  • Your sight isn’t the only sense that should be in high alert in these types of situations. Trust your nose and hearing too. If you start to hear a hissing sound and smell what seems like a type of gas, contact your fire department immediately.
  • Before you go inside your home, be sure to check the exterior for any potential damage associated with power lines, gas lines, cracks in the foundation, or any other exterior factors that could pose a greater risk if you were to go inside.
  • Open all doors and windows to give your home a chance to air out if the points of entry have been closed off for some time. This is especially important if you were not home during the storm and the house was closed up for longer than a 48 hour period. This is to help prevent a possible moisture buildup and mold growth from any water or moisture that may have entered your home during the time of the storm. You should still have a professional inspect your home for any signs of mold or bacteria buildup to be safe.
  • If you chose to evacuate before the storm arrived, be sure to check in with family, friends, or neighbors in your area to see if the roads in and out are accessible for your drive back home. If you don’t know of anyone who stayed or anyone you could reach out to who would know, look to social media for answers such as Facebook, X (previously known as Twitter), and other branded platforms. Keep scrolling for an additional list of things you should check upon arriving back home if you’re able to.
  • If you know that you live in a flood zone, check with your insurance provider and file a claim as soon as possible if your house suffered any flood damage after the disaster has hit. If you do not live in flood zone, you may have nothing to worry about; however, recall the flood of 2016 that impacted the greater portions of the southern states along the Gulf of Mexico? Most people who were no where near a flood zone were greatly impacted by this disaster and paid dearly for it since some didn’t have flood insurance.

 

 

Local art business in Ponchatoula, Louisiana – Hurricane Ida – August 2021

While it’s nearly impossible to entirely prevent storm damage from hurricanes or strong thunderstorms, there are ways to minimize severe damage to your yard and property. Such storms often bring heavy rain, sleet, and strong winds. To protect your house, vehicle, and yard, take precautions like stowing away patio furniture and potted plants that could be caught by strong gusts. Position pots against walls, in corners, or even in your pool (referring to the patio furniture) to prevent them from being carried off by the wind.

How to protect patio furniture in the early stages before the arrival of a hurricane or severe storm where heavy wind or flooding is expected.

Additionally, invert tables and chairs and reposition shelves to reduce their vulnerability to wind damage and potential harm to your property or your family. Making a designated hurricane check list for before, during, and after can help you and your family prepare for what’s to come if you plan on hunkering down during the storm. If you own any birdhouses, be sure they’re either taken down or moved indoors if applicable. We strongly recommend evacuating depending on the severity of the hurricane. If you’re living on the coast, be wary of tropical storms or depressions coming through. Keep an eye on the weather and on where and what any forming storms are up to.

Debris of a business in Hammond, Louisiana – Hurricane Michael – November 2018

After a strong storm, we recommend conducting a thorough inspection of your property for any potential damage. Whether you find a few scattered limbs on the lawn or a massive branch on your car, knowing what to look for can make a significant difference. Start by checking your bushes, shrubs, trees, and lawn to assess any storm-related harm they might have incurred. Take note of any areas that received the most damage, including you have floodlights or other outdoor lighting. Investigate any fallen foliage or tree debris to trace their origins. Keeping track of these details can prove beneficial in preparing for future storms. If you discover that certain trees, branches, or hedges pose a risk to your house or vehicle due to their proximity, it’s crucial to take action. Consider trimming or removing any problematic trees, or possibly relocating hedges or shrubs on your property. Additionally, it’s wise to research which types of bushes and shrubs are best suited for your property. Some varieties might act as natural barriers against harsh storm winds, offering protection to your house. On the other hand, certain plants could easily uproot and end up in a different part of the yard. Being mindful of these factors will help you safeguard your property effectively. It’s very important to physically take note on your phone or writing down every incident that resulted in damage to your property. No matter how small it might seem, it could potentially help your claim.

Here are some areas of interest to physically check for damage that you can potentially file with your insurance claim depending on your current provider:

Tree damaged home in Lake Charles, Louisiana – Hurricane Laura – August 2020

  • window seals
  • exterior siding
  • roof and shingles
  • damaged gutters
  • water marks on ceiling
  • door frames
  • crown molding around floors and ceilings

    Home in Ponchatoula, Louisiana – Hurricane Ida – August 2021

  • exterior lights
  • outdoor fencing
  • destruction of lawn ornaments, patio furniture, or plants (not all plants qualify, inquire about this with your insurance provider when submitting claim)
  • trampolines
  • outdoor playsets (check with your provider when filing a claim)
  • detached garage or shed
  • inground or above-ground pool
  • expired refrigerated items
  • vehicle damage
  • water damage to furniture, electronics, etc.

 

Destruction done to a local shop in Ponchatoula, Louisiana – Hurricane Ida – August 2021

If you need to file a claim with your insurance regarding the damage of your property or home, it’s important that you show them the list in detail of what all happened and what was harmed or damaged in the process. Be sure to read over your insurance’s policy on hurricane and storm damage to see what all needs to be verified and taken note of after a severe storm.

 

 

 

 

 

Fallen trees blocking parts of I-55 North between Hammond and Ponchatoula in Louisiana – Hurricane Ida – August 2021

We hope that this blog post will be helpful to you for any hurricanes or severe storms that come your way. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next blog post as we share more helpful tips and tricks down the line with all of you to help keep your yard and property prepped and prepared for whatever is to come and for after. There will be a future post that will feature more tips on what to look for when checking your yard and property after a strong storm or hurricane and give you a more detailed list of ways to prevent major yard damage before and after when renting our products in stormy situations. Have a safe and amazing year!

 

 

 

 

August 16, 2023 Hurricane Restoration, Post-Hurricane Checklist No comments yet

New Additions to Dynamite!

New Additions to Dynamite!

Throughout this year, we have been serving the area abundantly. We have done festivals and parades in St. Bernard parish to school fairs in Tangipahoa and St. Tammany. Dynamite has also done events as big as The Renaissance Festival in Robert, LA. We have also served many contractors and construction companies throughout southeast Louisiana. In 2021 and 2022, we served the areas hit by Hurricane Ian and Ida. When natural disasters happen, our Dynamite team kicks into high gear to help those in need; natural disaster relief and cleanup can take months to clean up and go through, and having a reliable company can help so much.

Our inventory has also expanded over this past year! Dynamite now offers luxury toilets, holding tanks, and handwashing stations. If you are having a more posh event, our luxury toilets are air-conditioned trailers with plenty of space to freshen up. The holding tanks we now have are great for those extended construction projects your company may have. Our holding tanks make it so that you don’t have to call us as often to clean out the toilets onsite. Lastly, we now offer two different types of handwashing stations. Our small station has four hand sanitizer stations for quick and easy hand cleaning. Our larger station is a sink and soap dispenser powered by a foot pump for the water.

Dynamite has also introduced portable fencing. Our Fencing measures at 6×10 ft and can be attached to another piece by the footing that our fences come with. Portable Fencing can be used for just about anything, but what we mostly rent them out for is construction areas that are prohibited. We also recommend them for festivals events where only staff is allowed. Temporary fencing can also be used for parade routes, many companies will need some type of barricade to keep others out of their restricted parking.

We still offer multiple sizes of dumpsters! For your smaller projects, our 10-yard dumpsters and 20-yard dumpsters are great for home improvement projects. Our most popular size all around is our 20 yard as it can be used for almost anything. Our larger 30-yard and 40-yard dumpsters are used more for complete overhauls or construction building sites. Our roll-off dumpsters are used for commercial and residential improvements or building/construction. Residential projects can vary anywhere from a new roof on your house to cleaning up a natural disaster that unexpectedly took a turn towards your town or something as simple as cleaning out your garage. Commercial projects we serve can range from home building and industrial waste to large-scale landscape projects.

 

What Equipment would work best for my event, you may ask? Here is a bit of a breakdown:

School Events: Most schools host an annual fair, which draws in many of the community. Renting portable toilets, handwashing stations, or a luxury restroom trailer would be ideal for organized events. You can place our portables just about anywhere, like next to the carnival rides or a luxury restroom trailer close by if you have an auction hall.

Town Events: Many parishes host many town-based celebrations. The ideal products for these events are portable toilets and hand washing stations scattered around the event area. You want to designate equipment you rent from us where it’ll be most convenient for attendees to access. Events like this will produce a lot of trash, so renting a dumpster might also be beneficial.

Construction Sites: Most construction sites need a larger dumpster and one or two portable toilets. If your project is projected to be completed over several months or more, renting a holding tank for your trailer office might be something to consider.

Home Projects: With most home projects renting a roll-off dumpster from us should get the job done. The only thing to consider is the space you have available for placement which will factor into which size container to rent. Our staff is more than happy to help you figure out which size is also best for you.

Events we have serviced:
-St. Peter’s School Fair
-Hammond’s Development District
-Caterpillar Louisiana
-Tangipahoa Parish Schools
-Louisiana Crawfish Festival
-City of Covington
-Wooden Boat Festival

June 13, 2023 Bussiness No comments yet
Dumpster Art

Art With Dumpsters

Art with Dumpsters

 

Most of us are familiar with recycling, especially when it comes to re-purposing regular household items: but recycling can happen on a larger level than what we imagine. Have you ever thought of what happens to giant metal containers like dumpsters or storage containers after they have retired?  Sadly, most go to landfills or garbage dumps, or are just left behind to rot: but there are several companies and community groups that have started to give these retired vessels a second life. Some are using them to make functional tiny houses or office buildings, while some are making major contributions to the art community.

RAIR- Recycled Artist In Residency in Philadelphia, is an organization that gives artists an outlet for their work using trash. Since 2010, this group has become an opportunity for artists from all over to utilize recycled junk. In 2014, RAIR developed a project that included dumpsters. They were commissioned to paint 10 different dumpsters as part of their #DumpsterDoubleTake campaign. In 2015, RAIR brought their dumpster painting to nearby schools. They helped students paint their recycling dumpster for the First Lego League Competition. Check out their dumpsters and upcoming projects at: http://rairphilly.org/dumpster-painting.

Tiny homes have become more and more popular these past few years and making them out of dumpsters is becoming even more common! Jeff Wilson, a professor and dean from Huston-Tilloston University in Austin Texas made a great educational impact beyond his university. While teaching environmental studies, he took his interest of learning about the footprint’s humans leave on the planet to the next level. In 2013, he launched the dumpster project. Wilson and his class took a 6×6 foot dumpster and began making it into a functional home. In 2014, Wilson decided to move into his tiny home. Learn more about Wilsonn at: https://www.littlethings.com/professor-dumpster-home/1

Gregory Kloehn works to deconstruct what we think of as a home and reconstructs what it could be. He rebuilds a small street dumpster and adds all functioning attributes to what we consider is in a home. Running water, electric, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen are compressed into this tiny home. Find a video on Kloehns work by Kim Aronson and photos by Hrag Vartanian here: http://tinyhouseswoon.com/tiny-dumpster-house/

The idea of a dumpster for a home may be a little difficult to image, but have you thought about having a roll-off dumpster as a business building? Artist Mac Premo used a 30-yard dumpster to create his own traveling art gallery. He travels with over 500 pieces of work with him to various well-known art festivals. Check out his dumpster: https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/blog/9-cool-ways-to-upcycle-roll-off-dumpster-containers.

 

 

January 30, 2019 Art With Dumpsters, Just For Fun 6 comments
No Flammables, No Dumpster Fires

How To Prevent a Dumpster Fire

How to Prevent a Dumpster Fire

As far as what can go in a dumpster, dumpsters can hold a lot of junk. But, lets be real. There are some items that are just plain silly to put in there. Hazardous items like explosives, electronics with harsh liquids, and flammables are not a good mixture to have inside of an open container. According to an article posted this past December by Lost Coast Outpost, there has been a trend of dumpster fires. Some purposely made by hooligans, and some made by putting a bad mixture of items in a dumpster. We have made a list of ways to prevent dangerous accidents from happening while renting a dumpster:

  • You can make temporary signs that say what you can or can’t put inside of the dumpster. This way, the public or your workers know that hazardous items are not accepted in the dumpster. This can prevent dangerous accidents, along with getting un-expected dumpster fees.
  • If you are placing the dumpster on a public work site, it would be a good idea to get a temporary gate that surrounds the dumpster. You can safely secure it with a chain and lock to make it harder for unwanted people using your dumpster. Having the public using a private dumpster or trash specific dumpster can lead to confusion. Most people do not realize that dumpsters have rules. They may not know that certain things may cause harm to the dumpster.
  • If you are using a long-term rental, you may want to consider putting surveillance cameras near your dumpster. Just having cameras in sight will make hooligans think twice about doing something harmful. It can also help track who is putting what in the dumpster.
  • Don’t allow for your dumpster to become overfull with trash, make sure to frequently check the level of trash. Having too much can cause unwanted results.
  • Having your dumpster placed in a proper location is important as well. Make sure that the dumpsters location is not close to any exhaust pipes or strong heat. If someone does happen to put something flammable in the dumpster, this can prevent a fire or explosion.
  • Many fires are caused by ashes and cigarettes that were not properly put out. Make sure to dampen items with plenty of water before placing them into the dumpster, or Do not place them into the dumpster.
  • Keep your dumpster areas as clean as possible. Do not leave large piles of debris next to the dumpster. If the dumpster catches on fire, it can easily extend to near objects.
  • When placing the dumpster, be sure to have it a couple feet away from any building. Give space for the dumpster pick up crew, or if dangerous accidents happen. This can protect your building and surrounding objects.

If you notice sparks or weird sounds coming from your dumpster, call Dynamite Dumpsters immediately. If there is a fire, call the nearest fire department, 9-1-1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited:

https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2018/dec/10/it-has-come-humboldt-bay-fire-offers-tips-how-help/

January 30, 2019 Dumpster Safety 1 comment
Trash of Pigs, Fun Facts About Dumpster

Fun Facts About Trash

Fun Facts About Trash

 

Just like everything in life, the trash industry has history as well. All over the world, the trash industry has continuously made advancements towards making a better way to dispose of chemical waste. Just for fun, we researched some fun facts about why dumpsters and portable toilets are the way they are today.

Humans have always been known to be the most destructive creatures towards the environment. Especially within the past couple hundred years, the trash we produce does not quickly dissolve back into the earth. Most of it is made of harsh plastics, metals, or gases that have been tampered with. But what was the trash industry like before modern waste removal or sanitation’s? Was it worse, or better? Often, we hear that only recent human destruction of the planet has been a problem. But that does not seem to be true. The destruction has been going on for more than just the past couple of hundred years. Although the chemicals are getting increasingly worse, getting rid of everyday trash has always been a huge problem even during B.C. time period.

In about 500 B.C. in Athens Greece, the government announced laws to keep trash buried at least a mile away from the city because of how smelly and dirty it was.

In the 1400’s in Paris France, the piles of trash were piled in the city’s so high that it caused problems with the cities defense system.

Only until 1842 in England was it announced that diseases and health issues were linked to the garbage in the cities. This is the first time recorded, that studies to enhance more sanitary solutions to waste had started.

At the turn of the 1900 century, “piggeries” were a huge business. They opened pig farms to feed the pigs garbage to eliminate waste. The pigs became sick because the industries allowed the pigs to eat un-cooked trash. Soon, a law passed stating that the garbage had to be cooked to sanitize germs. Pretty gross considering these are the same pigs that were served to people to eat!

The idea of the dumpster that we know today has only been around since the 1930’s. It was invented and patented by the Dumpster Brothers. Before the roll off dumpster design, and proper dumpster tucks, people would use random buckets to hold their trash. Prior to the turn of the century, cities hired horse and buggies to come pick up the trash and bury it on the outside of city limits.

Most of us refer dumpsters as, “a Dumpster.” But most of us don’t know that that’s not the correct term! The word dumpster is a brand name, the correct term is “front loader container.”

 

There are several types of garbage trucks, some commonly used, others used for special trash:

  • Rear Loaders are the most common and mostly used for residential waste removal.
  • Front Loaders are mostly used for removing and emptying dumpsters for larger companies.
  • Side Loaders are used for most recycling trucks and can offer different compartments in the truck.
  • Suction Trucks are used to suck waste out of specific waste containers.

 

 

Portable Toilets

Portable toilets have always been around. Even in ancient times, toilets have always been around. In 6th century B.C., toilets were called chamber pots. They were made of ceramic pottery, metal, or stone. Today, some countries still have chamber pots such as; the Philippines, China, and Korea.

When discovering the tomb of the Egyptian King Kha, archaeologists discovered Kha’s toilet. It was carved out of wood and lead to a hole in the ground for his un-unmentionables.

The first modern portable toilets were designed in the 1940’s for WWII in ship yards and bases.  These were heavy duty made of fiberglass, plastic, and polyurethane.

 

 

 

Works Cited:

https://jalopnik.com/the-fascinating-history-of-the-garbage-truck-and-the-kn-5955401

https://itstillruns.com/parts-garbage-truck-5201817.htm

https://www.hometowndumpsterrental.com/blog/early-20th-century-history-of-the-garbage-truck

January 30, 2019 Just For Fun 5 comments
Fill Line of Dumpster, Do Not Pass

What a First Time Residential Client Needs to Know About Renting a Dumpster

What a First Time Residential Client Needs to Know About Renting a Dumpster

 

As a first-time renter of a roll-off dumpster, there are several important things to keep in mind. Some may be a little obvious, but are essential knowledge to renting a dumpster.

Time

In order to get the most out of your dumpster, it is important to know your timeline. Ask yourself the questions; how big is my project? Do I need it for a day, or is it a long-term project? Think about w hat time of day you would like the dumpster dropped off and when you will be available to be at the location to sign the paperwork. You should call to schedule the dumpster as soon as possible to ensure that you will get it when and where you need it, especially during the high demand times of the year.

 

Renting the Appropriate Size

Choosing the wrong size dumpster for your project can result in extra costs. Getting a huge dumpster may not be as beneficial to you as getting a medium or small, just as getting a small or medium dumpster may not be beneficial as getting a large one.   One way to prevent the wrong size is to look at your project. Is it your whole house, or is it a room or two? It depends mostly on your junk pile.

Be sure when you are filling your dumpster, be aware of the fill line. Do not let your trash go over the brim of the dumpster. This could be a big hazard in a couple of ways. The biggest reason is for the dumpster truck driver. When picking up your trash, the truck driver needs to be able to transport the garbage without it flying into the streets. The majority of the time, the drivers need to be able to cover the dumpster. Another reason is for your safety. Having the dumpsters over filled, could cause an avalanche of trash, and could fall on who ever is near it.

Dumpster Safety

There is no need to be uneducated on how to use a dumpster properly. There are a few important things to think about like: What is allowed in the dumpster? Is the dumpster in a safe place? Are there other objects blocking the dumpster? Is the dumpster being used solely for your project, or are other people sneaking trash into your dumpster?

It is a good idea to make sure that the dumpster is in good standards once it is in your hands. It is up to the client to make sure specifics are taken care of once it is on your property and the rental papers and rules have been signed. A great way to prevent any dangerous situations is to have your dumpster locked and watched so unwanted visitors can’t put anything hazardous or anything that could cause you extra fees into the dumpster. Some clients like to hang a temporary sign on or near the dumpster stating, “private use” or “do not use.” If you are allowing others to use the dumpster, place a sign with a list of what can or cannot go in the dumpster.

Make sure that the dumpster is in a good location for your workspace. Make sure that the dumpster is not to close to any building or wall. It is important that the dumpster trucks have enough space to remove and drop off the dumpster without causing damage to any property. Keeping the dumpster away from extreme heat or exhaust is super important! Sometimes mistakes are made when putting items into a dumpster. Having the dumpster close to something hot and having items in the dumpster that are flammable can cause a huge disaster and may cause an explosion or dumpster fire. Items around a dumpster could be hazardous as well. It could be just as hazardous as if it were in the dumpster. Make sure items are not flammable or cause a blockage to the path and from the dumpster.

Keeping Away the Unwanted

If you are using the dumpster for a small business or using it in a difficult neighborhood, you may want to consider keeping the area lit up. This can prevent animals and un-wanted people from using the area from other than its purpose.  Keep the area visible and lit up. Having no trespassing signs or warning signs can help keep unwanted people away. Watch out for dumpster divers! Although most don’t mean any harm, if they get hurt in the dumpster, it is a liability and could cause trouble. Most dumpsters have locks, locks are a great way to make it difficult for easy access. When the dumpster is not in use, you can use a tarp to cover the top to prevent unwanted fly-a-way trash.

Weight Distribution Throughout the Dumpster

When loading the dumpster, keep the weight of the objects as even as possible. This will help the truck driver tremendously when picking up the dumpster. It helps them drive safer on the road and they will not have to worry about swaying side to side on the road to keep the weight even. Having heavy objects can make the driver have to overcompensate for the weight on the road. Try to keep lighter objects underneath the heavier objects. Having the lighter objects like paper or cardboard on top will fly away in the streets when it is time for the driver to pick up the dumpster.

 

January 30, 2019 Blogs for First Time Renters 7 comments