Every property owner should at least have some knowledge of how to clean up after a fire in your home or business. It is very common for someone to ignore the possibility of a fire and assume it will never happen to them. However, sometimes small mistakes can lead to huge consequences. It is very important to learn what to do after a fire.
In some smaller cases, you may be able to clean the damage yourself. However, if the damage is significant enough you should call a fire damage restoration company to avoid any danger. In this article, I’m going to tell you some tips on how to begin the fire damage cleanup process yourself.
The first step is being cautious with the burned debris and ash. It may contain harsh chemicals that could very well deal damage to your lungs! In some cases, if ash touches your skin it may leave a burn, rash, or other telltale signs of irritation. You also want to try to avoid contact with your eyes as it could lead to permanent damage.
Some ways to take caution may include wearing long pants, long sleeves, a nice mask, and protective shoes. Covering your hands with thick gloves helps as well. Open all windows and doors to help air out most of the harsh chemicals and any lingering smoke. Be sure to take breaks outside to get some fresh air as needed.
With those protective measures in place, it is time to get into the details of learning how to clean after fire damage. There are three main types of damage you may have to deal with after a home fire. The three main types of damage are fire damage, smoke damage, and water damage.
First, carefully remove all debris and standing water. If possible, repair or replace any items that show water damage. Throw away any clothing or items that are beyond repair, remember these items are usually replaceable.
Next, remove smoke particles and soot from all areas of the home. Clean the vents to eliminate traces of smoke and soot that could seriously damage your lungs. You should use a mild cleaning solution to clean your interior surfaces. Then you will want to eliminate the smoky aroma that tends to permeate your house and belongings after a fire. Purifying the air will help to improve air quality. Using an air purifier that uses a HEPA filter improves the efficiency of purifying the air from smoke.
After you may have some fire damage cleanup work left to do on the exterior of your property. Some places to make sure to check for damage are the roof, any entrances, or any outdoor living areas – porches, decks, etc. you can start cleaning the exterior surfaces with a power washer. If you don’t have access to that equipment you can rent one for cheap or use the stiffest brush you can find and a good cleaning solution. Cleaning by hand can be very time-consuming unless the damaged area is very small. With that in mind, the longer smoke and soot are left to sink into your property the more permanent the damage becomes.
Hopefully, now that you have finished this article you have a more solid understanding of what to do after a house fire. Just be sure to wear the proper protective gear, get rid of all damaged items, and clean up the smoke and soot thoroughly. You should be on track to getting your life and house back to normal!
