As communities come together again today, many people will engage in cleanup efforts. Please do so safely, and with respect for the messages of protest.

A thread, with resources for safely and respectfully cleaning your neighborhoods https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/30/us/clean-up-protests-trnd/index.html

First and foremost: Protest cleanup is different from regular cleaning. There are hazards and health concerns that go beyond normal cleaning that require specialty products, tools and techniques, as well as protective gear and safety measures not required in regular cleaning.

Your protective gear should be suited to the materials you’ll handle, such as heavy duty work gloves for handling debris like glass.

Wear long pants and heavy work boots. Absolutely no open toed shoes.

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/tools/workwear-and-safety-gear/work-gloves/7502610

Be aware that water from tripped sprinkler systems will make flooring slick, creating slip-and-fall hazards.

Do not enter a flooded space unless you are sure the electricity is turned off.

Graffiti can be cleaned with a pressure washer or with a scrub brush and soap & water or a specialty graffiti remover.

Consider photographing the graffiti before removing it, to preserve & share its message digitally in remembrance of the protests.

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/chemicals-and-cleaners/paint-strippers-and-removers/1205319

Use a heavy duty broom for debris cleanup; look for the words “contractor push broom” “garage push broom” or “job site push broom” in the product description.

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/home-and-decor/cleaning-and-disinfectants/push-brooms/1824333

Debris like metal and glass should be bagged up in heavy duty trash bags; look for the words “contractor bags” in the product description.

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/home-and-decor/trash-and-recycling/trash-bags/6608756

If you encounter other community cleaning issues that you'd like help with, ask me here and I will help.

Have I missed anything that you'd like to add about safe and respectful community cleanup? Please share your experiences and knowledge, I'm listening.

And, if you or a community group you're working with need money for cleaning supplies, please ask me and I will create a fund for that.