After extinguishing a house fire, firefighters will inspect the area to ensure it’s structurally stable. However, even if it is, there is much left to be done before your home is considered inhabitable—most notably, cleaning up soot and ash. If you ever find yourself in this predicament, disaster cleanup professionals recommend taking action as soon as possible. After all, the more time that passes, the more difficult cleanup will be.

For the best possible results, they recommend calling a restoration team and following these tips:

• Protect Yourself: Before entering your house, obtain personal protective equipment (PPE), as the risks of soot exposure entail more than just clothing stains. Soot can be inhaled or even absorbed through your eyes, eventually leading to serious health conditions like “black lung.” The most important protective equipment includes goggles, a respirator, a face mask, long rubber gloves, and rubber boots. That’s what your disaster cleanup professionals will be wearing before they get to work.
• Protect Your Home: Before the restoration technicians arrive, cover your floors with drop cloths. If they’re wet, use breathable canvass cloths rather than plastic ones. You’ll also want to turn off your HVAC system to prevent soot from contaminating your ductwork.
• Air Out the House: Once your fire damage restoration team has removed soot from every surface, it is imperative you change all of your air filters. Then, go ahead and turn your HVAC system back on. It will take a while, but the longer air circulates, the less smoky your home will smell.

Need help with your fire damage restoration efforts? Solid Management Disaster & Restoration Services is on it. They work out of Pagosa Springs, CO, and provide disaster recovery services for homes throughout the region. If you’re ready for a fresh start, give them a call at (970) 946-4561 and request a free estimate. More information about their fire and disaster cleanup services is available online.