3 Tips When Returning Home After A Wildfire

Returning home after a wildfire in your area has finally died down is an anxiety-ridden journey for all homeowners, thanks in most part to the uncertainty about what you're going to find when you finally arrive. After arriving home, it can be difficult to determine what your next move should be, but here at Universe Excavation, our team of skilled California debris removal specialists want to help take some of the confusion out of the process. To do so, we have taken the time to put together this handy list for your reading pleasure that outlines several helpful tips as to what your first steps should be when returning home after a wildfire. If you have any questions, or if you need the help of a professional debris removal company in order to get the rebuilding process underway, give our team of skilled professionals a call and let us do everything in our power to help you through this trying time.

Use Caution

Using caution is something that should almost go without saying, but there are many homeowners out there who overlook dangerous conditions that might still be present simply because they've gotten the all-clear to return to their homes. Even if the fire is out in your area, there still might be pockets of heat in the ground that could easily burn you or your pets, or even start another fire if the conditions are right. Make sure you stay away from any live embers, smoldering debris, hot ashes, and any burned trees just to be safe. If your home is still standing, continue to check throughout, including in your attic, for any smoke, sparks, or embers, as the wind can still carry these on and inside your home.

Check For Damage

After you've surveyed the surrounding area and ensured the conditions are safe, the next thing you need to do is take stock of your home. Wearing gloves and thick-soled shoes is recommended here as it will help protect your hands and feet while you're inspecting everything. As long as it isn't raining, make sure to leave you doors open and open the windows to help air it out, but even with this precaution, you need to be wearing a dust mask with a nose clip to prevent yourself from inhaling any contaminants. Avoid putting your weight on any items that look damaged, and if you notice any areas of floor that are sagging or any staircases or furniture that look to be damaged, it's best to stay off of them. If your home isn't in a livable state, make sure to board up any openings and let your local police know that it will be unoccupied until it can be repaired or rebuilt.

Start Cleanup

If your home suffered serious damage during the fire, or was destroyed completely, the next step after surveying your property is to actually begin cleanup. A lot of work goes into cleaning up fire debris, and to ensure the work goes smoothly, your best bet is going to be to hire a professional debris removal company that can quickly and safely dispose of everything. Debris removal and excavation is going to be an important step in the rebuilding process, and as such, you want to be sure you've got the assistance of a team of professionals you can count on to get the job done right the first time around.