From damage to belongings that are irreplaceable and the actual loss of livable space to the various emotional and financial challenges, experiencing a house fire can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, a fire can start anywhere and at any time. As a matter of fact, you have a one in four chances of having the need to report a house fire. Because of this risk, knowing how to prepare yourself for the process of cleaning up your home in a safe, efficient manner is key. Here are a few tips to help you and your family through the cleanup process after a house fire.
Inspect Home
After everyone is safe and emergency professionals have designated your home safe to reenter, visit your home to complete an inspection. This will help you determine the extent of the damage, what repairs need to be made, and the best options to start the cleanup process.
Before entering your home, make sure to protect yourself from smoke inhalation. Even after a few days, smoke may remain in the home. Breathing in just a small amount of this smoke and ash can lead to serious respiratory issues.
There are many types of respirator masks that you can wear, but it is important to select a mask that protects you from smoke and ash particles that will be lingering in the air. The smoke-particle protection mask should not only cover your nose, but also your mouth to protect your airways from the harmful toxins in the smoke and ash after a fire.
Do not sit on any furniture and use caution when walking through the home. Even if these elements appear stable, the smoke and water used to put out the fire will most likely have affected the durability of sofas, chairs, walls, ceilings, and stairs.
Insurance adjustors may have already visited the home, but you should use your smartphone to document damage and belongings that are not replaceable.
Avoid spending an excess amount of time in the home. Even while wearing respiratory masks, you may be taking in small particles of ash that can cause problems over time. Also, ash and other particles may be gathering in your hair and on your skin and clothing, irritating your skin and affecting your health in the future.
Gather Belongings
If you have any items that appear salvageable, gather them and take them with you. Hopefully, all important documents were stored in a fire-safe, waterproof box. Make sure to locate this box and take it with you to have on hand while repairs are being made to your home.
When gathering your belongings, make sure to continue wearing your respirator mask even if you feel the home is open and ventilated. Also, wear rubber, heat-resistant gloves before touching anything inside the home. Because some items may actually still be hot from the fire and ash, you will want to have this protection for your hands.
Clean Up
Many homeowners will attempt the majority of their cleanup on their own. If you prefer to complete the cleanup before bringing in professionals and contractors for more involved fire restoration and repairs, continue protecting your airways, skin, and eyes.
In addition to wearing the respirator mask, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from debris, dust, and ash. Gloves are also helpful for protecting your hands from the heat and ash, but they will also help protect your skin from wood splinters and other debris during the cleanup.
Sweep up the majority of the ash bulk and debris and dispose of it outside the home in a large trash bin or dumpster. Use a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter to vacuum up any remaining dust and ash particles. The HEPA filter will trap smaller particles, reducing the number of chemicals and allergens in the air.
Wash walls, floors, and ceilings with a solution containing liquid dish soap and water. This is usually sufficient for removing ash, soot, and stains caused by the fire and smoke.
Preventing a house fire is not always possible, but you can prepare for the damage a fire causes to your home. This guide will help you evaluate and begin the cleanup process.
