Contents You Should Keep Or Discard After A Fire

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

After a fire, it is important to carefully consider what belongings to keep and what to dispose of. 

Some materials, such as plastics, nonorganic fibers, and wiring, release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. These chemicals can be dangerous if ingested or absorbed through the skin. It is important to dispose of any items that you plan on putting in or onto your body. 

This includes food, medicine, makeup, and toiletries. You should also get rid of most items in plastic containers, as these can also release harmful chemicals.

When dealing with fire damage, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you are unsure about whether or not an item is safe to keep, it is best to dispose of it.

Hiring a professional fire remediation company, such as SERVPRO of Reston/Herndon can help you make these decisions. They have the experience and expertise to assess the damage and help you determine what items can be saved and what needs to be disposed of.

Here are some additional tips for disposing of fire-damaged items:

• Do not throw fire-damaged items in your regular trash. This could contaminate the waste stream and pose a risk to public health.
• If you are unsure about how to dispose of an item, it is always best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it properly.