Things To Throw Away After a House Fire

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

After a home fire in West Valley City, UT, some items must be thrown away because of the damage.

A house fire can be devastating emotionally, physically, and financially. The tough decisions you need to make during recovery from the fire can be especially hard as you sort through belongings trying to decide what can be salvaged and what you must throw away. Whether you're struggling to get rid of items for sentimental reasons or because you're worried about finances, there are some items that must be tossed without question.

Perishable and Non-Perishable Food Items

Naturally, any food exposed to flames or smoke should be tossed immediately. Food stored in thin plastic, cardboard boxes, or cloth should also be thrown out. Perishable foods should be thrown away if:

• They sat at room temperature.
• The refrigerator lost power.
• The inside of the fridge smells like smoke or has a weird smell.
• Items in the fridge or freezer don't feel cold.

Consider getting rid of canned food because the high temperatures that accompany the fire can trigger bacterial growth even in sealed containers. If cans are bulging or have changed shape, the food inside isn't safe to eat. Anything that is covered in fire extinguisher dust should also be thrown out.

Medications

During and after the fire, flames, smoke, soot, water, and fire extinguishing chemicals have all affected the items in your home. Any of your medications could have been affected, and you may not see physical evidence of this contamination. Additionally, the high heat in the home can affect the potency of the drugs. According to the Federal Drug Administration, before tossing medicine into the dumpster, take it out of its container, mix it with something undesirable (such as dirt or cat litter), and seal it in a plastic bag.

Makeup, Cosmetics, and Toiletries

The same high temperatures that negatively affect your medications can also damage your makeup. The various chemicals in all the cosmetics and toiletries in your home could be impacted by those high temperatures, as well as by the water and extinguishing chemicals used to put out the fire. Even if you don't see visible signs of damage, get rid of and replace these items.

Clothes and Other Textiles

These may be some of the most difficult items to throw out. It's natural to want to save as much money as possible after experiencing fire damage, but clothing, bedding, towels, and other textiles could absorb contaminants that are irritating. It is also very difficult to get rid of the smoke and chemical smells that linger after a home fire.

Your well-being should be one of your top priorities after a fire in your West Valley City, UT, home. Although it is difficult to get rid of items that don't look damaged, it's better to protect your safety and that of your family members. This means tossing the items in these four categories and replacing them when you're able.

In addition to protecting your health and safety by learning to throw away contaminated items, contact fire damage cleanup and repair professionals. These technicians are trained to recognize potential dangers during cleanup and reconstruction. Also, if there are items that can be salvaged, these professionals can help you do so safely.