Safely Returning to Your Property After a Fire

A fire in your home or business can be destructive and, in some cases, lead to a total loss. Damage to your property’s structure and the belongings inside can be caused by the flames, heat, water, and smoke. Once you are given the "all clear" to go back into the property, it’s important to know what you should look for both outside and inside to ensure your safety.

General Safety Tips for Returning to Your Property After a Fire

There are still risks to your health and safety even after the fire is out. Seek the advice of your local fire department, restoration specialists, building officials, and insurance agent before returning to your property and starting to clean or make repairs. Below are a few general safety tips:

• Do not clean ash and fire debris until professional hazardous material cleanup services are secured. Seek professional fire removal and restoration services.
• Check propane tanks for visible damage before turning them on.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Take note of any slip, trip, fall, or puncture hazards.
• Wear sturdy shoes, protective gear such as gloves and goggles, and a face mask when sorting through belongings. Anything that has come into contact with ash should be cleaned and sanitized. Change your shoes and clothing before leaving the affected property to avoid tracking ash and other debris into your car and elsewhere.
• Hazardous chemicals and conditions may still be present. Do not eat, drink or breathe in anything that has been near the flames, smoke, soot, or water used to put the fire out.
• Children and pets should not be in the vicinity while cleanup is in progress due to the potential risk to their health, as well as their ability to spread ash and other debris outside of contaminated areas.

Water Safety When Returning to Your Property After a Fire

If you have been told or suspect that the water in your home or business is contaminated after a fire, do not use it to wash dishes, prepare food, make ice, brush your teeth, wash your hands or perform any other activity you’d normally use water for. While your property is being restored, you can safely use bottled, boiled, or treated water for personal hygiene, drinking, and cooking.

Your Fire Cleanup and Restoration Professionals

If you have experienced a fire, it is important to consult a fire restoration service professional for repair and restoration of your home or business. Guarantee Restoration Services is home to a team of certified professionals who address the effects of fires on homes every single year. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.