What To Do After A House Fire?

Fires can be stressful and frustrating. It’s natural to wonder what to do after a fire. We cover everything you need to know about how to save your home and how to clean up any damage. We also share some tips to help make the process easier after fire damage.

How To Secure A Home After A Fire

After a house fire, you must immediately secure your home. You want to keep the fire out of your home, protect it from weather and animals, and make sure that no more flames are lit.

Prevent Flare Ups

First, make sure that the fire doesn’t start again. The fire department will respond to prevent flare-ups. If you set the fire, however, you will need to do the work. Spray the whole area with a fire extinguisher, even if the fire seems to be out. Next, check to make sure there aren’t any glowing coals or heat coming out of the ashes. Continue spraying until you see no glowing coals or heat coming from the ashes.

Protect Your Home Against  Nature

To prevent wild animals from setting fire to your home’s exterior, it is important that you protect it against the weather and other elements. Tarping your roof and boarding windows and doors will help prevent any further damage. You can also prevent unwanted animals like birds and squirrels from nesting in your home. Use a piece wood and screws to secure the tarps. Use at least three-quarter inch marine-grade plywood for windows and doors

Protect Your Home From Looters And Vandals

To keep unwanted guests out of your home, use at least three quarter-inch marine-grade plywood to secure windows and doors that have been damaged. Instead of attaching plywood to your exterior, you can use interior clamps to secure the plywood to your inside. By simply unscrewing the plywood, you can prevent unwelcome guests from getting into your home.

How To Clean Up A Home After A Fire

These are the steps to follow to repair or clean up your house after a fire.

Document The Damages

You should always document the damage to your insurance. Take photos or videos even if your insurance doesn’t cover it.

Protect Your Home

We’ve already covered this, but it is important to always protect your home after a fire. Even though you might not feel it is necessary, it’s safer to be safe than sorry.

Dry And Remove Water

Firefighting efforts can leave behind water that can damage walls, cabinets and carpeting. To dry water in your home, use pumps, fans, dehumidifiers, and wet/dry vacuums.

Throw Away Damaged Materials

Remove or dispose of any item that is beyond repair due to water, fire, or other causes. This applies to flooring, countertops, cabinets, walls, ceilings, and countertops as well as furniture and personal items.

Remove Smoke And Soot From Surfaces

Smoke or soot can leave permanent stains after only a few hours. To remove soot and ash, use a shop vacuum. Next, clean the smoke stains using equal parts vinegar to water.

Ventilate & Deodorize

Smoke smells can persist, so ventilate the area immediately after cleaning is done. Do not wait until you have finished cleaning. The smoke and soot will spread further if there is no air movement.

Carpet, Upholstery And Fabric Cleaning

To remove smoke and soot from furniture and carpeting, you can use an upholstery or carpet cleaner. You may have to send items to dry cleaning or hire a professional cleaner in some cases.

Prevent Mold By Sanitizing

If the area has been exposed to water, you should disinfect it with bleach and water. While you can clean small items, it is more efficient to spray larger areas.

You Can Finally Rebuild Your Home

Each fire is unique, but most often this includes replacing damaged cabinets or repairing walls.

Common Questions About Fire Damage

What to do after a house fire?

Fires can be stressful and traumatic, so it is normal to have questions. These are the most frequent questions we receive about what to do following a house fire. Call us today at (818)-593-9557 if you have any questions. Only our fire damage restoration technicians will be able to assist you.

Is it safe for you to enter your home after a fireplace has been put out?

It is safe to enter your house after a fire. A large fire in your home would be the exception. You can call the fire department to find out when you are safe to return to your home.

Can you live in a home with smoke damage?

You can usually live in a house that has suffered smoke damage. However, people with asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems may feel uncomfortable until the smoke has been removed.

Is it safe for a person to sleep in a house that has been lit by a small fire?

It is safe to stay in your house after a small fire. You should not sleep in a house if flames have damaged windows or doors, or if you have asthma or allergies.

What should you do after a fire in your house?

You can choose to live in a hotel, or stay with your friends and family if you are unable or unwilling to leave your home following a fire. You may be eligible for temporary housing if you file an insurance claim.

Get A Free Estimate On Fire Cleanup Services
911 Restoration of Central San Fernando Valley can help you with the aftermath of a fire. To speak with a certified fire damages cleanup specialist, call (818)-264-4100 today. We offer an in-person estimate and can help you.