Preparing Before the Storm
Smart Jacksonville homeowners think about debris management before hurricanes arrive:
Pre-Storm Checklist
•Secure loose outdoor items
•Trim dead tree branches
•Document your property with photos/video
•Know your insurance policy details
•Have contractor contacts ready
Pre-Position a Dumpster?
For properties with known tree hazards or aging structures, some homeowners arrange for a dumpster to be delivered immediately after the storm passes. Call 904 Dumpster before storm season to discuss pre-positioning arrangements.
Immediately After the Storm
Safety First
Before beginning any cleanup:
•Wait for official all-clear from authorities
•Watch for downed power lines (assume all wires are live)
•Wear protective gear (gloves, boots, eye protection)
•Check for structural damage before entering buildings
•Document all damage for insurance claims
Assess the Damage
Common hurricane debris categories:
•Vegetative debris: Trees, branches, leaves, plants
•Construction debris: Roofing, siding, fencing, drywall
•Household goods: Furniture, appliances, personal items
•Hazardous materials: Fuel, chemicals, propane tanks
City of Jacksonville Debris Programs
After significant storms, Jacksonville typically activates special debris removal programs:
Curbside Debris Collection
•City contracts with debris removal companies
•Specific pickup schedules announced by zone
•Debris must be separated by type
•Check COJ.net for current program status
Debris Separation Requirements
To participate in city programs, separate debris into:
1.Vegetative: Keep separate from other materials
2.Construction: Roofing, building materials, fencing
3.Household: Furniture, carpeting, household items
4.Appliances: White goods collected separately
5.Hazardous: Special collection required
Timeline Expectations
City debris removal can take weeks or months depending on storm severity. Plan for extended cleanup periods.
When to Rent a Dumpster
Private dumpster rental makes sense when:
Faster Cleanup Needed
If you cannot wait for city programs:
•Insurance company requires quick cleanup
•Property must be secured
•Health hazards need immediate removal
•Reconstruction needs to begin
Large Volume of Debris
City curbside pickup has volume limits:
•Very large trees require commercial equipment
•Extensive building damage exceeds curbside capacity
•Multiple properties need simultaneous cleanup
Convenience and Control
A dumpster on your property allows:
•Work at your own pace
•Secure storage of debris
•No waiting for city trucks
•Privacy for personal items disposal
Insurance and Debris Removal
Document Everything
Before moving any debris:
•Take photos from multiple angles
•Video walk-throughs of damage
•Keep a written inventory
•Save receipts for all cleanup expenses
Debris Removal Coverage
Most homeowner policies include debris removal:
•Typically a separate coverage amount
•May have per-occurrence limits
•Keep all receipts for reimbursement
•Ask about additional living expenses if applicable
Working with Your Adjuster
•Request adjuster visit before major cleanup if possible
•Get approval before hiring contractors
•Understand coverage limits for debris removal
•Ask about dumpster rental reimbursement
Specific Debris Types
Tree Debris
•Large trees may require professional removal
•Cut branches to manageable lengths for city pickup
•Root balls may require excavation equipment
•Stumps can often be ground in place
Flood-Damaged Items
Items exposed to flood water are typically unsalvageable:
•Upholstered furniture
•Mattresses and bedding
•Carpet and padding
•Drywall below water line
•Particleboard furniture
Contaminated Materials
Some items require special handling:
•Fuel containers
•Pesticides and fertilizers
•Pool chemicals
•Refrigerators with spoiled food
904 Dumpster Hurricane Response
When storms affect Jacksonville, 904 Dumpster responds:
•Extended hours during recovery periods
•Priority delivery for emergency situations
•Flexible rentals for uncertain timelines
•Volume pricing for multiple dumpsters
Call (904) 240-5598 for hurricane debris cleanup support. We understand the urgency and work to get dumpsters delivered as quickly as conditions allow.
Storm Season Preparation
Contact us before hurricane season to:
•Set up an account for faster ordering
•Discuss pre-positioning options
•Get priority status for post-storm delivery
•Understand pricing during disaster response
