What type of clean-up or recovery should people expect from a hurricane?

The chief attribute of the storm, either wind or water, will determine what kind of clean-up takes priority. Storms that produce more wind than rain may blow down power lines and trees. They can break Windows, rip siding and shutters off buildings, and move all manner of objects around where they may hit people or buildings, and damage vehicles. Lighter vehicles may themselves be moved, as can garages, fences, and storage buildings. Light debris will cover roadways, making them impassible, or merely difficult to navigate. There will be rain with any kind of hurricane, and in a less intense storm basements or lower levels of buildings may flood, and flash flooding may occur. Hurricanes that are "rainmakers" potentially cause the greater damage. Storm surge may destroy buildings as it sweeps them out to sea. Depending on its height, storm surge can obliterate every trace of human habitation from the affected area. Roads along the coastline may be covered with 8' - 10' of sand. Water will have driven oceanfront houses into the sea, or pushed them back into a marsh, tidal creek or sound, if there is one. If not, these uninhabitable homes may be washed several blocks inland. Boats may be torn from their moorings and damaged beyond repair. Fishing piers can be torn apart by waves of 20' or more. Sewage systems may be unusable, and there may be no drinking water.Those who have lived through such storms, or evacuated and returned to a community they didn't recognize have practical advice. Accept the fact that you have probably lost many personal items. Recognize that there are engineers who will bulldoze the roads, and repair breaches in the road. Linemen will work to restore power. Law enforcement will work to prevent looting, and they may impose a curfew.Tree surgeons can make the trees safe, and cut and remove branches and trees that have fallen. Bottled water should be readily available. Many strangers have come from other parts of the country to assist you. Don't be afraid to ask for help or be too proud to accept it. Before these storms, shelters open up, many of which now accept pets. Their amenities vary.Some provide hot meals, showers and child care. Many remain open for a good while after the storm. Many houses and buildings will have to be rebuilt. Carpenters, plumbers and electricians will be available to do this work. It is remarkable how quickly a community can recover. An Excellent example is Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, which was virtually wiped off the map by the 16-foot storm surge of Hurricane Ike in 2008. Its progress in four years is astounding, and documented in many before and after pictures.