Cleaning up the wreckage and evidence of the traumatic incident is one of the most difficult chores that homeowners confront following a house fire. Sorting through your stuff amid the ruins might be as difficult as experiencing the horrible experience all over again. Distinguishing between salvageable and non-salvageable items requires both patience and decisiveness. If you think that debris removal after a house fire is as simple as cleaning your house in a few hours, you are absolutely mistaken. This post will provide tips for looking through your stuff, identifying which are irreparable, and removing those that are no longer useful.
Actions to Take Right After a Home Fire
There is no denying that cleaning up your home after a house fire is just as important as figuring out whether to rebuild your home or sell it as-is. While deciding on what to do with your property can be put off, tidying your home cannot be delayed. To ensure the safety of everyone in your household, you must consider the condition of your home and see if it is still a livable space amidst the rubble and dirt. Prior to starting any repair work on your property, here are the immediate actions you must take to ensure the safety of your family following a house fire.
- Inspect your home – after making sure everyone in your household is safe, inspect your home for security. Identify the affected areas and make sure to stay away from unsafe zones.
- Reach out to your insurance company – contact your insurance company as soon as possible and give details of the fire accident. Getting in touch with your insurance company right away is the first step to commencing the insurance claim process.
- Determine if your home is safe – is your home still safe and livable? This should be the first question you ask yourself after you have your home checked for safety. Do not let anyone in unless you have confirmed that the premises are safe.
Items to Discard After a House Fire
Sorting through your belongings and determining which ones to retain or discard is part of the cleaning process following a house fire. To make the process easier, below is a list of objects that must be thrown following a home fire.
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Electronic gadgets
A defective electronic device, particularly one damaged by fire, can ignite and start another fire. For the safety of your household and all the residents, do not attempt to use these devices and dispose of them right away.
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Charred clothes
Using clothes that have been burned is unsafe due to the potential presence of toxic substances left behind by the fire that could pose health risks. Do not try to salvage them after a house fire; dispose of them in a responsible manner instead.
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Food items
Both perishable and non-perishable items, once burned, are unsafe to consume. During a fire, all your food items may have been exposed to heat, which can ultimately lead to contamination. Do not attempt to salvage your food items; instead, discard them right away.
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Furniture and mattresses
Fabric furniture such as sofas, chairs, and couches is also at risk of damage after being exposed to fire. You can certainly have the furniture cleaned, but there is no guarantee that the cleaning process will work. Discard them properly to avoid potential risks.
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Toiletries and medicine
Avoid using items that have been exposed to fire, especially if they have something to do with human consumption. We all know that chemicals in toiletries and medicines, once exposed to high temperatures, can be toxic and dangerous.
How to Safely Clean Up Debris Following a Home Fire
A house fire can leave behind not only smoke and water damage but also rubble and other toxic materials. Getting rid of these wastes is just as vital as keeping your house free of all harmful items. Here are some safety recommendations for removing debris after a home fire.
Chemical and Smoke Residue
The soot and toxic residues left behind by a house fire are among the most essential issues that homeowners must address promptly. Removing the hazardous chemical and bad odor is possible without the need of a cleaning firm. Simply mix mild soap, water, chlorine bleach, and tri-sodium phosphate in a jar and you’re done. This solution is also effective for removing soot and ash from walls, floors, and furniture.
Burned Furniture
Identify which pieces of furniture can still be salvaged and which ones cannot be repaired. Dispose of items immediately that were extensively exposed to high temperatures. Weigh in on the furniture and see if the damage is minimal. You can attempt cleaning the pieces of furniture if you feel they are still usable; nevertheless, if not properly cleaned, they may be detrimental to your health.
Non-Porous Surfaces
Nonabsorbent surfaces, such as glass, metals, and varnished wood, are easier to clean due to their resistance to absorbing chemicals, odors, and even stains. To eliminate the stench as well as any slight stains that have permeated, simply wash them off with mild soap and water.
Outdoor Clutter
Do not forget to inspect your home’s exterior for damage and debris. Check your roof and make sure it is still intact. Get rid of any pileups to prevent further damage. After that, you can start working your way down to the walls and windows. Just like the non-porous surfaces, you can clean the walls and windows with a water and soap solution.
Rubble and Other Broken Objects
Walk around the property and make sure to remove all broken glasses, loose nails, and other sharp objects to avoid causing injuries. If possible, put up a warning sign in those impacted areas to prevent anyone from coming close.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning up your home after a traumatic event like a house fire may be as tough as getting back on your feet. Making your house a secure, comfortable atmosphere adds to the difficulty of coping with such an unthinkable loss. When it comes to debris removal after a home fire, you can hire a cleaning business, but keep in mind that some cleaning jobs may be completed without the aid of specialists. As you perform each cleaning duty, remember that your loved ones’ safety is your top priority.