Reducing exposure to contaminants through dust and other channels is important to your family’s safety. These contaminants can arise before, during, and after the demolition of vacant properties.

Before the demolition of a property, various hazards can be present. It is best to avoid these structures and if you notice one is not secured and people that do not have permission are entering and exiting the structure, please contact The Warren City Health Department.

Once a vacant property is on the list to demolished, the Trumbull County Land Bank and Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership will notify adjacent property owners that a demolition will be occurring in their neighborhood. This is done through a door hanger that is placed at each residence. A sign is also placed in the neighborhood at the site of demolition to alert other neighbors to be cautious of the area.

During the demolition it is important to stay far away and to limit exposure. Keep windows closed so dust does not settle. Avoid the site of demolition if at all possible. After demolition it is important to clean any dust from your landscaping, play areas, and other outdoor spaces.

If planning to do create a community project on a residential site where a house once stood, there are some precautions to and considerations. These are outlined in Safer Practices for Community Green Spaces and Safer Practices for Community Gardening and Urban Agriculture. Some of these safer practices are outlined below.