The fire is out, the firefighters are almost done rolling up their hoses, and the reality of it begins to set in . . . your home has been damaged or destroyed by a fire. Although it seems daunting - almost overwhelming - at first, it's possible to recover . . . it just takes time and patience. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross:
Immediately after the fire -
For small wounds (such as a first-degree burn) wash them with soap and warm water. Afterwards, pat the area dry and cover it with a bandage or clean, dry gauze to prevent infection. Replace the bandage or gauze if it becomes soiled, damaged, or water-logged.
Remain calm and pace yourself
Following a fire, you may find yourself in the position of taking charge of other people. Listen carefully to what they are telling you, and deal patiently with the urgent situation(s) first.
Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter
If you have children, let them stay with a relative or friend while you conduct your first inspection of your home after a fire. The area might be unsafe for children and seeing the damage first-hand could be upsetting to them.
The first 24 - 72 hours after the fire -
Recovering emotionally -
Your own and your family's emotional recovery are just as important as rebuilding your home and healing any fiscal injuries that might occur. You might be suprised at how you - and others affected by the disaster - may feel after the fact. For example, you might experience fear for their own safety or the safety of a loved one, shock, disbelief, grief, anger, or guilt. In addition, memory problems, anxiety and/or depression are also possible after experiencing a disaster.
The occurrence of a disaster is upsetting for everyone involved. This is especially true for children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and persons for whom English is not their primary language. Children may become afraid and some elderly persons might seem disoriented after a disaster.
After a disaster - such as a fire - attempt to return to as many of your personal and family routines as possible. Focus on the positive . . . for example, although your home or apartment might have been lost, focus on the fact that no one was injured or killed. Reach out and accept help from others. Above all . . . realize that sometimes recovery takes time!
Long-term recovery -
There are products available for removing odor from fabrics. One such product is Tri-Sodium Phosphate or TSP.
Clothing -
Smoke and soot odor can sometimes be washed from clothing that can be bleached by mixing four to six tablespoons of TSP and one cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Mix the ingredients well, add clothes, and then rinse with clear water. Allow them to dry thoroughly.
Walls, furniture, & floors -
Use a mild soap or detergent or mix four to six tablespoons TSP with one cup of household cleaner to a gallon of water. Be sure to rinse walls and furntire with clear, warm water after cleaning with this solution and dry them thoroughly.
Pots, pans, & flatware -
Kitchen ware should be washed with soapy water, rinsed, and then polished with a fine-powdered cleaner. Copper and brass can be polished using salt sprinkled on a piece of lemon, or salt sprinkled on a cloth saturated with vinegar.
Leather goods & clothing -
Wipe leather goods with a damp cloth, then a dry cloth. Stuff purses and shoes with newspaper to retain shape. Leave suitcases open. Leather goods should be dried away from heat and sun. Once leather goods are dry, they should be cleaned with saddle soap.
Until next time . . .
The first 24 - 72 hours after the fire -
Recovering emotionally -
Your own and your family's emotional recovery are just as important as rebuilding your home and healing any fiscal injuries that might occur. You might be suprised at how you - and others affected by the disaster - may feel after the fact. For example, you might experience fear for their own safety or the safety of a loved one, shock, disbelief, grief, anger, or guilt. In addition, memory problems, anxiety and/or depression are also possible after experiencing a disaster.
The occurrence of a disaster is upsetting for everyone involved. This is especially true for children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and persons for whom English is not their primary language. Children may become afraid and some elderly persons might seem disoriented after a disaster.
After a disaster - such as a fire - attempt to return to as many of your personal and family routines as possible. Focus on the positive . . . for example, although your home or apartment might have been lost, focus on the fact that no one was injured or killed. Reach out and accept help from others. Above all . . . realize that sometimes recovery takes time!
Long-term recovery -
Clothing -
Smoke and soot odor can sometimes be washed from clothing that can be bleached by mixing four to six tablespoons of TSP and one cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Mix the ingredients well, add clothes, and then rinse with clear water. Allow them to dry thoroughly.
Walls, furniture, & floors -
Use a mild soap or detergent or mix four to six tablespoons TSP with one cup of household cleaner to a gallon of water. Be sure to rinse walls and furntire with clear, warm water after cleaning with this solution and dry them thoroughly.
Pots, pans, & flatware -
Kitchen ware should be washed with soapy water, rinsed, and then polished with a fine-powdered cleaner. Copper and brass can be polished using salt sprinkled on a piece of lemon, or salt sprinkled on a cloth saturated with vinegar.
Leather goods & clothing -
Wipe leather goods with a damp cloth, then a dry cloth. Stuff purses and shoes with newspaper to retain shape. Leave suitcases open. Leather goods should be dried away from heat and sun. Once leather goods are dry, they should be cleaned with saddle soap.
Until next time . . .
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