Cleaning tools
If a fire occurs in your home, it can leave behind a mess even if you salvaged the structure and your possessions. You can clean away the soot and debris easily by following a plan. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Do not go back into your home until the fire marshal says it is safe. Another fire could break out or there could still be burning ash. While you wait, call your insurance agency or adjustor. Most agencies have 24-hour call centers where you can leave a message. If the fire occurred during office hours, do not give up until you talk to a person.
2. Once back inside your home, be careful about moving things around. Your insurance adjustor will probably have to take pictures of the scene, and you do not want to do anything that will lower his damage apraisal. However, if you can't stay in the home, remove any valuables. Make sure the investigator goes inside the house with you and notes what you take. Before leaving, secure any doors and windows, to protect anything you leave behind.
3. Before you start cleaning, hire a building or electrical inspector to check if the electric is safe for you to use. If the damage is severe, you should have your electric and gas disconnected until all repairs are made.
4. If you are doing the clean up yourself, open all the windows. Be sure to wear gloves when cleaning. Start by throwing away anything that may attract mildew.
5. Use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to soap up any water in the carpets.
Disinfect the entire area.
6. Remove any wet clothing, wet draperies or any other wet fabrics. Wash what is salvageable in a strong detergent. Throw away the rest.
7. Wash walls and ceilings in hot water and mild soap. If possible do this while they are sill wet. It is easier to clean and also will help keep mold and mildew from forming.
8. If water seeped underneath your linoleum flooring, it is best to remove it. Leaving the linoleum with the water in between it and your wood flooring can cause warping and rot.
9. If you find this cleaning process is too much for you, contact the experts at a full service restoration company that deals with fire, smoke and water damage. In some cases, your homeowners' insurance may cover part or all of the costs.
Tags: anything that, leave behind, your home
