Write an article based on this "Map out the removal area. Lay down tarps to control the spread of dust and debris. Equip with the proper safety gear."
Determine exactly how much flooring you need to pull up and where you'll start. You may want to do away with the entire floor and put in a new one, or you might decide to only remove a particular section in order to have carpet, tile or laminate installed to change the layout of your floorplan. Having a clear idea in mind of how best to proceed will help you carry out the project more efficiently. Generally, it's easiest to remove one or two central boards and work your way outward from there. Use to tape to mark off specific boundaries and make cutting and prying more precise. Use tarps to cover light fixtures, furniture, appliances and anything else that you don't want coated in sawdust once you begin sawing. You should also remove as much clutter from the work area as possible beforehand to give yourself a maximum amount of room to work. Remove any computers, gaming systems, TVs, and other sensitive electronics from the room completely. Even they are covered, the internal components can still be damaged. Tack up your tarps with masking or painter's tape that can be peeled away easily when you're done. While it may be tempting to skip this step, it's not recommended. Cleaning sawdust from unprotected surfaces is an exhaustive effort that will add greatly to your overall project time. Before you get started, make sure you're prepared to tackle the project safely. Put on rugged work gloves to protect your hands while operating the circular saw, some protective eyewear and a breathing mask to filter out sawdust and mold. You should also make a point of wearing closed-toed shoes with thick soles, as you'll be surrounded by loose nails and other exposed edges. Long-sleeved clothing will keep your skin from being exposed to dust and hazardous objects. Since you'll be spending hours kneeling to pry up the planks, a pair of knee pads can be a lifesaver.