Safety tips for moving around
Wait at least 24 hours after an incident before entering your home. This gives toxic gases time to clear and makes it easier to spot hazards. If you are unsure about air quality, call 311 to request a measurement. Wear sturdy boots, gloves, protective outerwear and a breathing mask. Watch your step. Floors, walls and loose items may be unstable. Open cupboards slowly. Be careful of exposed nails, broken glass, downed power lines and hidden water. Carry a flashlight and your phone. If you have a home safe, wait until it is cool before opening it. Metal keeps heat inside for a long time and contents can catch fire if opened too soon.
Should you perform your own repairs?
Put your safety first. Think about the skills you need for working at heights, handling hazardous materials and using power tools. Do you know how much work is actually required? Any renovation that changes the structure of your home needs a building permit. You can apply through our Building Permits page. Plumbing, electrical and gas work usually requires a licensed contractor by law. Check your insurance policy to see what is covered. Remember that buying or renting tools adds up quickly. Make sure you have the time to see the job through.
Before you start cleaning
Do not plug in wet or damaged appliances. For anything beyond light smoke or water damage, hire a professional restoration company. If you are handling minor damage yourself, put on your protective gear. Gather the right cleaners for each surface. You may need special products to remove smoke smells from fabrics, or you can take items to a professional dry cleaner. Only restore damaged belongings in a well-ventilated area.
What to throw out
Check with your insurance adjuster before discarding items, as you may need to keep them for your claim. Rent a large dumpster from a waste company or bring debris to the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility. Throw out any food, medicine or personal care products that were exposed to heat, smoke or floodwater. Contamination can make these items unsafe. Follow the rule: if you are not sure, throw it out. Handle hazardous materials with care and keep them away from children and pets.
Dealing with odours
Small bowls of white vinegar, activated charcoal or vanilla extract can help absorb light smells. If you smell mould or smoke, the source must be removed first. You can buy specialty odour-removal products at hardware stores, or ask a cleaning professional for help.
Next steps
Once your home is safe and clean, you can plan your move back in. Visit What to do after an emergency for more recovery tips. For questions about fire safety plans or burn permits, contact Fire Station 1 (Headquarters).