• Soot and smoke: While they may seem more harmless than fire, soot and smoke can carry toxins that may be hazardous to the health of you, your family, and your pets. Always wear proper protection, including safety glasses, air purifying respirators, disposable clothing, and nitrile gloves, before entering the premises.
  • Structural integrity: Fires can cause damage that can weaken or compromise your home’s structure. Never re-enter your home until the fire department has had a chance to inspect and give the “all-clear” in regards to safety. Once access to your home is available, hire a professional to further inspect your home to make sure all needed repairs are addressed.
  • Utilities: Water, electricity, and gas are often shut off by the fire department following a fire. Do not turn utilities back on until they are deemed safe to use.
  • Surfaces: Soot and fire residue can contain oils that make floors and other hard surfaces slick. Be sure to take caution when walking through fire-damaged areas.
  • Food: Foods exposed to fire or smoke may be unsafe to eat. Be sure to throw away any food outside of the refrigerator packaged in permeable packages. If the heat was close to canned and jarred foods, they may have become spoiled and need to be discarded. If your refrigerator seal allowed smoke to get in, it’s best to throw away all foods affected.
  • Chemicals: If chemicals are used during the cleaning process, be sure to keep children and pets away. Also, talk with our fire restoration professional to understand any other safety steps you may need to take.