Top Things You Should Throw Away After a Fire

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

A home fire can be devastating.

After a fire, you might want to keep as much of your old life as you can. Although many things can be cleaned, there are a few that you absolutely have to throw away after a fire. Some things are too damaged by heat, while others may spoil or be contaminated from chemicals released during the fire. You need to carefully consider what you should keep and what should be tossed out.

4 Top Things to Throw Away After Suffering Fire Damage

Anything Exposed To Chemicals

When certain materials burn, they release chemicals. This includes items like:

• Plastics
• Nonorganic fibers
• Wiring

You should toss out anything that is in or near plastic that has been exposed to high heat. This means you should get rid of most nonperishable foods, things in plastic containers, and anything containing dangerous chemicals.

Clothing, Rugs and Furniture

If you have a professional fire cleanup company in Greenville, NC, they might be able to save some of these articles. Although many can be cleaned, the smoke smell and fumes do not come out of everything.

Perishable Foods

Although perishable foods may seem like something you can keep, they are something you definitely should throw away. This includes anything that you plan on putting into your body. Not only can these foods be contaminated, but the heat might also make them spoil as well. This is especially true if your refrigerator suffers fire damage.

Medicine, Makeup and Toiletries

Medicine, makeup and toiletries are other things in your home that will spoil when exposed to heat. Medicine may become ineffective at best and become toxic at worst. When dealing with fire damage, it is better to be safe than sorry. Even things like shampoo and conditioner turn bad when they've been heated.

After a fire, it can be difficult to determine exactly what is damaged and what is not. It is always better to play it safe and throw away items that may be a problem.