What Should You Do After A Fire In Your Home?
Posted on: 5 December 2022
Fire damage can be difficult to deal with emotionally and physically. After a fire, it's important to take care of yourself and your family and begin the process of cleaning up and rebuilding.
Are you uncertain about what to do after a fire? This guide will help you get started on the road to recovery.
Limit Your Movements
You can prevent the travel of soot and other smoke damage throughout the home by staying in certain areas. Choose one room to use as a "base camp" and limit your movements to other areas of the home.
In fact, it's a good idea to put down tarps, towels, rugs, or linens in areas where you'll be walking. This will help to limit the amount of soot tracked through the home.
Avoid Touching Sooty Items
When you touch items covered in soot, the oil in your hands could stain the items. If you must handle any items, wear rubber gloves. It's also a good idea to wash your hands regularly to prevent spreading soot.
Change Your HVAC Filter
You'll want to change your HVAC filter after a fire. This will help to remove any soot or smoke particles that may be circulating through your home. You will be able to safely use your HVAC system and fans safely if the electrical components are undamaged.
Wet Vacuum Carpets and Upholstered Furniture
You can remove soot from carpets and upholstered furniture with a wet vacuum. First, pre-treat the area with a mild detergent. Then vacuum the area with a wet vacuum. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag after you're finished.
Have the Wiring Checked Out
Avoid turning on lights and appliances if the home is wet. Have an electrician check the wiring in your home before using any electrical items. Otherwise, you could face another fire and additional damage to your home.
Discard Food Items
You'll need to throw away any food items that were in the home during the fire. This includes food in the fridge, freezer, cupboards, and pantry. Even canned goods should be thrown away, as the fire could have damaged the cans.
Contact a Professional for Property Damage Clean Up
Once you've taken care of the immediate aftermath of the fire, it's time to start thinking about restoration and cleaning up. Contact a professional for help with this process. They will be able to assess the damage and develop a plan for restoring your home.
Contact a local fire restoration company, such as Blackwell Restoration, to learn more.
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