Returning Home

Ensure that the structure is safe prior to doing work in the affected area. Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
Do not enter your home if it was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe, if you smell gas, or have concerns about structural damage.
When re-entering the building, use flashlights instead of lanterns or candles, in case there’s a gas leak.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect damaged areas to reduce risk of disease.
Sort contents of the damaged areas of the home to separate salvageable furnishings from unusable debris.
Hire a professional cleaning company to steam clean and disinfect salvageable furnishings.
Dispose of materials exposed to wastewater if they cannot be steam cleaned thoroughly or disinfected.
Discard contaminated food, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys.
Fire-damaged mattresses, pillows, foam rubber items, upholstered couches and chairs, books and most paper products generally should be discarded.
Contact your trash collection company about removing furniture, appliances and bulky furnishings, or take these items directly to a landfill.

Additional Resources

This website contains all the additional information and links to resources you will find on the web: