Wildfire Post-Fire/Smoke Recovery Tips

The Burke’s team has experienced just about every situation related to fire and smoke damage that you can imagine – and then some. Sharing ways to avoid injury during the clean-up process is just another way we can serve our friends and neighbors. There are five critical things to do when you are dealing with the aftermath of a fire.

• Site safety is critical.Before entering a building with fire/smoke damage, consult the fire department, local building officials, your insurance agent, and restoration specialist before you begin any cleaning or repairs.
• Protect yourself. Wear an N-95 ANSI-approved dust mask, work gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and goggles to avoid skin contact. Change your shoes and clothing before leaving the site to avoid tracking ash into your car, home, etc. If you do find any ash on your person, immediately wash your clothes and skin to avoid irritation.
• Know what to clean. Fire can cause serious damage. Many of the items in your home or business could have been badly damaged by fire, smoke, and the water used to extinguish the flames. If you don’t have a total loss, and your damage is moderate to heavy, consider hiring a certified smoke and fire damage restoration company.

DIY Cleaning Tips

• DIY Cleaning Tip #1: Clean the interior by only using a dry HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum. Shop vacs DO NOT filter out small particles and can put them back into the air.
• DIY Cleaning Tip #2: Wash all surfaces and items with soap and water, rinse, and sanitize. Be sure to securely seal any bags or containers to prevent ash from being redistributed into the air.
• DIY Cleaning Tip #3: Draperies, clothing, and machine-washable items may be cleaned or laundered.
• DIY Cleaning Tip #4: Do not eat or drink anything that has been near the flames, smoke, ash, or water.
• DIY Cleaning Tip #5: Clean the exterior of the building, sidewalks, driveways, and decks with a power washer and/or the stiffest brush you can find using a safe cleaning solution, freshwater scrubbing, and then rinsing.