Glass can be very dangerous when broken, as smashed shards could be hiding on any inch of floor. That's why cleaning it up well is extremely important. The last thing you want to do is a quick clean up and then step on a piece because you weren't diligent enough.
Here are some suggestions on how to clean up broken glass that is a hazard for you and others:
1. Check to see if anyone is hurt.
2. The first thing to do is be careful where you step. Broken glass can get stuck on the bottom of shoes and transferred elsewhere in the home.
3. Clear the area of pets and youngsters unless they are truly competent (the youngsters) to help clean. If you feel it's better that less people clean at once that's OK too. Find a pair of gloves to protect your fingers.
4. If the floor isn't carpeted take a broom and dustpan and start sweeping up all areas. Check each sweep since some bits may get stuck in crevices in the floor or by walls. Using a vacuum cleaner to pick up whatever you can is a good option.
5. Wet paper towels and run them across the floor as invisible broken shards will hopefully stick to them. Just be careful to dispose of the used towels immediately so they don't hurt you or anyone else.
6. Check under furniture.
7. If glass fell on a rug or pieces fell on the rug, first check if any are visible and if so, remove them. Then either vacuum the rug or if possible shake it out in an outdoor area where loose shards won't hurt others.
8. Sometimes broken glass is hard to see because of the angle a person is standing. After you've swept or vacuumed up the mess stand at different angles looking at the floor. Look carefully for the shine or sparkle of glass. If none are found do one last check scanning every inch of the floor art close range.
9. When you think you are completely done shake the broom out in a garbage can as pieces of glass may have stuck to the bristles. Clean off the broom head inspecting it well.
