3 Possessions You Might Have To Trash After a Fire

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Medicines are also susceptible to high heat, smoke, and fire

Items You Have To Throw Away

According to the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, in 2019 out of all the fires reported 27% were home fires. Fires can wreak havoc on structures, completely gutting them. They also often result in high heat, smoke and fire damage to the contents of homes. However, not all fires result in complete and utter devastation with little left to salvage. Sometimes there is a great deal that can be saved with the aid of a professional cleanup and restoration service in Dunwoody, GA. However, there are certain items you are likely to have to throw away.

1. Fabrics
Sheets, blankets, and clothing are often recoverable in the wake of a fire. Proper disinfection and cleaning can usually restore fabrics and textiles for use. However, this generally only applies to non-burnt items. Clothes or bedding that have been burned should be thrown away.

2. Food
You might have to throw away food, both perishables, and non-perishables. Some foodstuffs like those in open containers or charred cardboard boxes are obviously on the disposal list. However, even supplies sealed in cans or jars may have been rendered inedible by the presence of bacteria whose growth was spurred on by high heat. Refrigerated and frozen food occasionally survives in good condition, but if you notice any of the following signs, it is best to discard the contents of your fridge or freezer:

• Soot in the fridge
• A strange smell coming from food
• A smoky odor in the fridge
• Freezer food is soft without visible ice crystals

3. Makeup and Medicine
Cosmetics and medicines are also susceptible to high heat, smoke, and fire. Any sign of damage, like charring, warping, or fire extinguisher remains are indicators that you need to get rid of products in these categories. They are no longer usable.
While not all possessions in the aftermath of fire are ruined, the ones listed here are commonly beyond saving. If you observe any of the signs listed here, you should throw away the things displaying them.