Dealing with the aftermath of a house fire is an arduous task that many homeowners must endure. Sorting through debris and reclaiming your belongings is a taxing endeavor that requires resilience and determination. Contrary to popular belief, debris removal after a house fire is far from quick and easy. This article aims to guide you through the challenging task of salvaging belongings, identifying items beyond repair, and responsibly disposing of those no longer useful.
What to Do After a House Fire
Cleaning up your home is probably one of the most important tasks you need to accomplish following a house fire. Doing so will ensure the safety of everyone in your household as well as the security of your property’s structural integrity. Before contacting renovation companies to begin the rebuilding process, you must first take steps to clean up your home and get rid of all the debris. Below are some immediate actions that you should take 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.
Things to Throw Away After a House Fire
Part of the cleaning process after a house fire is sorting through your stuff and deciding which ones to keep and which ones to throw away. To make that task a lot simpler, here is a list of items that must be discarded after a house 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.
Tips for Debris Removal After a House Fire
A house fire can leave behind not only smoke and water damage but also rubble and other toxic materials. Getting rid of these scraps is just as important as making sure your home is safe from all hazardous materials. Here are some safety tips on how to properly remove debris following a house fire.
Smoke and Bad Odor Removal
One of the most important things homeowners must deal with following a house fire is the smoke left behind by the fire. Removing soot and foul odor can be accomplished without hiring a professional, as it can be done with a simple solution you can prepare at home. Simply mix mild soap, water, chlorine bleach, and tri-sodium phosphate in a container, and you are sorted out. You can use this solution to remove soot and ash from the 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. You can try cleaning them if you think they can still be used, but be cautious as they may pose a health risk if not cleaned properly.
Non-Porous Surfaces
Non-porous surfaces such as glass and metals are easier to clean as they are less likely to absorb bad odor and chemicals. You can simply wipe them down with a mild soap and water to remove the smell.
Exterior Debris
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 Sharp 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
Debris removal after a house fire can be both challenging and frustrating for any homeowner. After you have ensured the safety of your family, promptly go through your belongings and determine what can still be used and what needs to be discarded before starting the renovation process. Remove items extensively damaged by fire, as they could pose a risk to your family’s safety. Remember that your and your family’s safety must be your primary responsibility.
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