While it’s true that you should not tackle fire damage restoration and cleanup without expert help, there are steps you may take at home. It’s tough to sit idly by after your home has been in a fire, but sometimes waiting is the best tactic.
First and foremost, after any fire damage scenario, safety should be your top concern. Most will tell you not to reenter the property. That tip is certainly true. By going back in, you risk serious injury and worse property damage.
What to Do After a Fire
We’ve compiled a few expert fire damage restoration tips to help homeowners like you come back stronger than ever after a disaster.
- Limit any movement in the home to prevent further damage, spreading of smoke contamination and soot particles from embedding in fabrics.
- Keep your hands clean to avoid damage to the walls, wood or upholstery.
- For high-traffic areas, including carpet and rug, place down towels.
- If the electricity has been shut off, which is highly likely, empty the freezer and refrigerator and open up the doors.
- Wash any houseplants you have on both sides of the leaves.
Swap out the filter on your heating and cooling system.
What Not to Do After a Fire
On the other hand, there are things to avoid.
- Do not attempt to wash walls, painted surfaces, carpet or upholstery without professional help.
- Do not attempt to clean electrical equipment or appliances that were damaged in the fire.
- Do not use canned or packaged food stored near to the fire damage scene.
- Do not turn on any ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is noticeably wet from the fire department, as the electrical wiring could be damaged.