4 Things you cannot save after a fire.

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

When in doubt, throw it out!

SERVPRO knows that one of the hardest parts about recovering from a fire is deciding what you can and can't salvage. It’s hard to discard damaged items with sentimental value. Follow our advice and throw these four things away after a fire.

Non-Perishable Food Exposed to Heat, Smoke & Firefighting Chemicals

Food safety after a fire is a huge issue. It’s obvious that you should discard opened containers and anything stored in permeable packaging, such as cardboard, cloth or thin plastic bags. But what about food in cans or jars?

Sealed food may appear to be okay – however, if these items were close to the heat of the fire, they may no longer be edible. High heat can activate bacteria that cause food spoilage or create an undesirable taste to develop, even if the jar or can is intact. Toxic fumes can also contaminate food through sealed glass jars and aluminum cans.

Perishable Food 

Sometimes, but not usually, refrigerated and frozen food is salvageable after a fire. A well-sealed fridge could keep food at a safe temperature for about four hours.  If you come across any of these scenarios, throw it out:

• It smells smoky in the fridge.
• Soot has visibly penetrated the fridge.
• The refrigerator lost power after the fire, and the food has been above 40 degrees for over two hours.
• Perishable items have an odd odor.
• Food in the freezer no longer feels cold and hard and has no ice crystals on it.
• When you attempt to prepare salvaged food, it has an off-smell or flavor.

Medicines & Cosmetics

Your medicine cabinet and makeup bag are important places to check after a fire. Inspect the products stored here for signs of heat, soot, fire extinguisher dust, or other damage. If anything is warped or charred from the flames, throw it out.

Burned Clothing

Clothes, bedding, and other items can often be salvaged after a fire with the proper cleaning and deodorizing. However, if anything is burnt, throw it away. Especially considering your child’s or baby’s clothing.

The Bottom Line

Never attempt to salvage belongings that could put your health at risk. When it doubt, throw it out! If you have any questions or concerns about what can be salvaged in a fire, or if you need to schedule fire restoration services, please contact SERVPRO of Tarzana/Reseda today. 818-881-3636