How to safely clean up the mess Sandy left behind

In Ossining, N.Y. Sandy tossed a 40-foot boat onto the tracks of the commuter rail line. And scores of homeowners across the Northeast lost cars and houses to downed trees. Now the cleanup begins. In addition to ruined personal property, such powerful storms scatter construction materials, damage structures and deposit sediment. For safety's sake, it's important to dispose of the debris properly, some can be recycled but some can't. Here's what the federal experts recommend.

Piles of debris piles are a safety hazard themselves, cautions the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Here's the agency's safety guidelines for removing the waste from homes, yards and roadways.

• Do not place debris on or near fire hydrants, utility boxes or gas meters. Dangerous gases could escape if utility boxes or gas meters are damaged during debris removal.
  
• Keep children away from debris piles. They can be full of broken items, glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Children could easily be injured playing in, around, or on these mounds of debris. The piles may also contain rodents, snakes or bugs.
  
• Do not allow children near equipment and debris removal operations. Inquisitive children could be standing or playing in the equipment operator's "blind spot" and may not be seen when equipment and trucks move.
  
• Keep all open flames and lit cigarettes clear of debris piles. The piles often contain flammable materials.
  
• Don't park cars near debris piles. This will make it easier for equipment operators to pick up the material and reduces the possibility of damage to your car.
  
• Drive carefully if you're behind a debris removal truck. Leave a safe distance between your car and the truck. Materials may fall from the truck creating a driving hazard.
  
• Observe all traffic rules and directions from flaggers when driving near debris collection sites.
  

• Green waste, such as trees and shrubs, can be "recycled" into organic material, such as compost or mulch.
  
• Concrete and asphalt can be crushed and sold for use as sub-base in road building.
  
• Metal can be recycled and sold to scrap metal dealers.
  
• Brick can be sold for reuse or ground for use in landscaping applications.
  
• Dirt can be used as landfill cover or mixed into topsoil.
  

—Mary H.J. Farrell