A huge storm just rolled in and blew our patio table over. It shattered into about a million pieces. The deck is really high, and I have NO idea where all the glass went. There was a ton on the deck, and I'm sure a ton below, and some might have blown around.
How on earth do I begin to clean this up? Our kids play back there constantly and it has to be a GOOD cleanup. Has anyone dealt with this before? Who do I call to clean something like this up?
I called a cleanup company. Definitely the way to go if this ever happens to you -- it was reasonable and they did an amazing job.
I second a shop vac. My daughters took our glasses outside once and knocked the table over. They broke all over the place. We used the shop vac, even on the grass. You just have to go slow and repeatedly. Plus no playing without shoes for a while.
Jennifer:
I wouldn't go out there tonight. I would ensure that my children and pets do NOT go to the back tomorrow either.
It depends upon what is UNDER your deck. I would put on some shoes and walk around IN A CIRCLE in the daylight with gloves on and pick it up. If its dirt or concrete - it will be easy. If it's mulch or grass - it will be tedious. There really is no easy way to do it that I know of.
You walk in a circle so you can catch the sun glinting off of it. That's the easiest way to spot it - walking around and around. Chances are, if you walk in a circle when you find one piece you will most likely find another.
Bottom line? Gloves and GOOD shoes - not flip flops with a box not a bag (you don't want the glass to cut the bag and end up with another mess).
GOOD LUCK!!
Happened to us 2 summers ago. Shop vac cleaned up the vast majority of it (ours broke all over our grass, which hadn't been cut in a LONG time).
If you don't have a shop vac, ask a friend or a neighbor to lend you one, or buy one from Sears/Home Depot/etc for $30-40.
You'll be able to get a much better idea in the morning when you can see the debris. Just go out there with close-toed shoes.
how about a shop vac?
Especially on the deck this might work. Ive never tried it on grass, but it could be a start. Kids need to wear shoes at all times and no rolling in the grass for now.
I had 2 break 2 summers ago. Shop vac worked great. Good luck, it's a pretty slow process.
There are companies that do clean up/restoration after flood, fire, storm, mold damage, etc. They have all the latest equipment and know-how. If you don't want to get out there yourself, you could make a few calls and get some quotes.
Get a company that does outdoor cleaning after storms to come out. OR get a shopvac and vacuum up an area around where the table broke. Get in all the nooks and cracks and crannies.
And just be sensible and wear footwear in the area
