Safe Cleanup Checklist

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🧯 Safe Cleanup Checklist: What’s Dangerous and What’s Not

Guidance for homeowners recovering from a house fire.

🔹 1. Structural Safety

⚠️ Dangerous (Call a professional):

Sagging ceilings or walls — may indicate structural instability
Charred or cracked support beams
Burned or weakened roof trusses
Holes or cracks in the foundation
Loose electrical wires exposed in ceilings or walls
Floors that feel soft, warped, or uneven underfoot
Any area marked “unsafe” by fire department or inspector

✅ Usually Safe to Handle (with caution):

Light debris (ashes, small burnt materials) after official clearance
Removing nails or small broken boards (with gloves and mask)
Sweeping non-structural debris from concrete or tile

🔹 2. Electrical & Gas Hazards

⚠️ Dangerous (Do NOT touch):

Melted outlets or exposed electrical wiring
Appliances with smoke or water damage
Electrical panels or breaker boxes affected by fire or water
Any sparking or buzzing sounds
Gas lines, meters, or any smell of gas
Extension cords or power strips that were exposed to heat or water

✅ Usually Safe to Handle (after inspection):

Unplugged devices from areas untouched by fire
Replacing smoke detectors and batteries after clearance

🔹 3. Water, Mold & Soot Damage

⚠️ Dangerous (Professional cleanup required):

Wet insulation, drywall, or flooring (can breed mold within 24–48 hours)
Mold growth (black, green, or fuzzy)
Soot on walls, ceilings, or porous surfaces (toxic residue)
Heavy smoke residue in HVAC vents
Water pooling in basements or crawlspaces

✅ Usually Safe to Handle (after drying and with PPE):

Wiping hard surfaces (metal, tile, glass) with mild detergent
Using fans or dehumidifiers to dry air (only after electrical clearance)
Cleaning personal nonporous items like metal cookware or glass dishes

🔹 4. Chemical & Toxin Exposure

⚠️ Dangerous (Hazardous materials):

Burned plastics, paints, or solvents (release toxic fumes)
Melted electronics or batteries (contain heavy metals)
Ash or soot mixed with cleaning chemicals
Fire extinguishing residue (some are corrosive or toxic)
Smoke-damaged cosmetics, medicines, or food
Cleaning products that were exposed to high heat

✅ Usually Safe to Handle:

Unopened, sealed cleaning products stored away from fire area
Non-damaged containers (check for leaks or odor first)

🔹 5. Personal Belongings

⚠️ Dangerous to Keep or Clean:

Food, drinks, or canned goods exposed to heat or smoke
Medications or vitamins stored near the fire
Baby items (bottles, pacifiers, toys) with soot or smoke damage
Textiles that smell of heavy smoke (may retain toxins even after washing)
Mattresses or upholstery with visible soot or melted fabric
Pet food or treats exposed to heat or ash

✅ Usually Safe to Clean or Restore:

Glass, metal, and ceramic kitchenware
Jewelry and non-porous keepsakes
Hard plastics that didn’t warp or melt
Photos, documents, and collectibles (can be professionally restored)

🔹 6. Air Quality & Ventilation

⚠️ Dangerous:

Running HVAC before professional duct cleaning
Using regular vacuums (they can spread fine soot particles)
Using fans before structural and electrical clearance

✅ Safe Steps:

Open windows and doors once the property is declared safe
Use HEPA air purifiers (for fine particles)
Replace HVAC filters after system is cleaned professionally

🔹 7. Outdoor Areas

⚠️ Dangerous:

Burned trees or branches near power lines
Ash-covered soil (can contain heavy metals)
Pools or hot tubs contaminated with soot and debris
Burned propane tanks, grills, or outdoor electrical fixtures

✅ Safe Steps:

Hosing off walkways and patios with clean water
Bagging and disposing of light ash (with mask and gloves)
Checking fencing and decks for minor scorch marks

🔹 8. Protective Equipment You Should Always Use

✅ Minimum recommended PPE for all cleanup:

N95 or P100 respirator mask
Safety goggles or glasses
Heavy-duty gloves (nitrile or leather)
Long sleeves and pants
Closed-toe shoes or boots
Hard hat (if working under damaged structures)

🔹 9. When to Stop and Call a Professional Immediately

If you feel dizzy, nauseated, or short of breath during cleanup
If you discover structural instability or collapse
If there’s standing water with electrical outlets nearby
If soot or ash causes skin irritation or coughing
If you find asbestos, lead paint, or mold
If you smell gas, burning odors, or strong chemical fumes

🔹 10. Professional Services to Consider

Fire damage restoration company
Structural engineer or building inspector
Licensed electrician and plumber
Environmental or air quality testing lab
HVAC cleaning and duct restoration service
Debris and hazardous material removal service
Insurance adjuster or fire recovery consultant (like House Fire Solutions)

💡 Pro Tip from House Fire Solutions

Always photograph or video each area before cleanup begins. This documentation can help maximize your insurance reimbursement and prove safe handling practices.

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Safe Fire Cleanup Guide for Homeowners