A fire is a terrifying event, but when the smoke clears, it’s time to begin the fire cleanup process. This involves assessing the damage and discarding items that are beyond salvageable. It also includes cleaning and sanitizing porous surfaces, such as carpeting and upholstered furniture. If you’re not prepared to take on this task, it’s best to call in a professional content restoration and packout company.
You’ll need a few basic supplies to help you get started. This includes a fire-safe sponge, such as one used to wash a car, a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and safety goggles or a mask to protect against debris inhalation. Also, make sure to keep some rags on hand for wiping and washing.
The next step is to inspect the property for visible signs of smoke damage, including streaking and discoloration. It’s important to look for both obvious areas and less obvious ones, such as ceilings, which are often overlooked when it comes to smoke damage.
If you can, remove all food from the refrigerator and throw away anything that smells smoky or has soot marks on it. You should also discard any medicine or cosmetics that show signs of smoke or have been exposed to the heat of a fire extinguisher. It’s also a good idea to toss any clothing that has been burned or stained by soot or smoke. fire cleanup