World Trade Center Disaster Info.

Recommendations for Motorists in the Area Affected by the World Trade Center Disaster

Motorists living near the World Trade Center disaster site may face some challenges getting their cars cleaned and started if they were exposed to heavy levels of dust and soot from the collapse of the Twin Towers. Motorists are advised to clean the car's interior and exterior, as well as clean and inspect the engine, before starting their cars.

My car appears structurally damaged. What should I do?

If your car was parked near the World Trade Center on September 11 and it was structurally damaged, contact your insurance company. You should have your car towed from the area, inspected, and if necessary, repaired by a licensed mechanic.

My car is not structurally damaged. How should I clean the exterior of my car if it is covered with dust?

Make sure that the windows and doors are closed. Wet down the exterior of the car with a hose or repeated uses of a bucket; douse the vehicle with water to remove as much dust as possible.

Do not use a rag, brush or any scrubbing action. This will grind the abrasive dust into the paint, and possibly ruin it. Only the physical action of the moving water should be used to remove dust. Next, use very soapy water to wash the car. When clean, swirling patterns may be noticed in the finish if the vehicle was subjected to very heavy exposure. A professional compound job available at most auto shops should restore the luster.

How can I protect myself from exposure to dust while cleaning the interior of my car?

If there are high levels of dust inside the car, wear a dust mask, preferably one that is double-banded. Make sure to use clean-up techniques that do not generate dust, such as wetting down the dust with water or using a HEPA (high efficiency particle air) vacuum, which will reduce dust recirculation.

How do I clean the interior of my car?

First, vacuum the interior of the car with a HEPA vacuum. If a HEPA vacuum is not available, a conventional or shop vacuum can be used, preferably with a HEPA or allergy bag. A conventional or shop vacuum should not be used in a garage or closed area without adequate ventilation.

After vacuuming, wipe the interior of the car with soap and water using disposable rags or sponges. Pay extra attention to the dashboard and vents, particularly if the vehicle is a 1998 model or newer. New cars have many computer and electronic devices located behind the dashboard that could be damaged by heavy dust. Place wet rags or sponges in plastic bags and dispose of while still wet.

Should I inspect the engine before starting the car?

Yes. Inspect the engine compartment under the hood of the vehicle. If it is very dusty, wear a dusk mask and use a HEPA vacuum or a conventional vacuum with a HEPA or allergy bag. Pay close attention to the air intake, which can usually be identified by its bellows-like hose. If possible, disconnect the hose and vacuum it.

If the vehicle is particularly dusty, you should change the air filter after vacuuming, taking care not to dislodge any remaining dirt that may contaminate the engine. Inspect hoses, belts and pulleys for dirt and try to clean them as thoroughly as possible.

Lastly, check the oil and coolant level before starting the engine. Make sure the battery's terminals are clean. Dirty terminals create extra resistance, putting more strain on the battery, which may be low if the vehicle has not run for some time.

Should I check the tire pressure?

Yes. Check tire pressure and add air, if necessary, according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

What do I do when starting the engine for the first time?

Only after thoroughly cleaning the car's exterior, interior, and engine should motorists start their cars.

When starting the vehicle, do not race the engine. Let it idle approximately five minutes. Observe the tailpipe to see if any strange-looking vapors or materials spew out. The engine may have ingested some dirt that will be discharged when it is first started. If strange noises are heard or smoke is seen, shut the vehicle off and call a professional mechanic to inspect it.

Drive the vehicle slowly at first to make sure it is operating correctly. If so, take the vehicle on a highway so the force of the air can help flush dust and dirt from under the hood and other areas. Only then should the ventilation system be used, first in the recirculation mode to prevent underhood dust from entering the passenger compartment. After five or ten minutes, switch the ventilation system to bring in outside air.

As soon as possible, change the oil and oil filter. Any dust or dirt that may have entered the engine will settle in the oil, which should be removed to prevent internal engine damage.

How do I clean my vacuum equipped with a disposable dust bag?

Replace the vacuum dust bag, and place the old dust bag in a plastic bag and seal. Afterwards, dispose of the dust bags with your regular garbage.

Wipe the vacuum's exterior, including hose and other exposed parts, with a damp cloth. While still wet, place the damp cloth in a plastic bag, seal and discard with your regular garbage.

How do I clean my vacuum that is not equipped with a disposable dust bag?

Go outside and carefully empty the dust out of the vacuum dust container into a plastic garbage bag and seal. Discard the garbage bag with your regular garbage.

Wipe the vacuum's exterior, including hose and other exposed parts, with a damp cloth. While still wet, place the cloth in a plastic bag, seal and discard with your regular garbage.

Replace the prefilters on a HEPA vacuum. Check your HEPA cartridge to determine if it needs to be replaced.

What do I do with my dirty clothing and dust mask?

Place dust mask in plastic bag, seal and discard with your regular garbage. Make sure to wash dirty clothes separately from other laundry.