• House fires can be devastating events.Fire image by Luke Haverkamp from Fotolia.com
  
  Experiencing a fire in your home can be a devastating event. Fires cause millions of dollars in property damage, and lives are lost every year. Cleanup after a fire can be a daunting task, as there are many variables to consider. Following specific fire restoration tips will help get your life back in order.
  
  

Cheesecloth

• Tape damp cheesecloth over any intake and outlet air registers to catch any loose soot that may be in the air. This will minimize the amount of soot inside the house and cleanup will be faster.
  
  

Air Out

• If the temperature outside is warmer than 60 degrees, open the doors and windows of the house to let it air out. This will remove the smoke odor faster.
  
  

Don't Wash

• Do not wash wash any papered or flat painted walls, furniture or carpet without consulting a professional beforehand. Doing so could make your soot problem in the house even worse.
  
  

Check Electrical

• Any electrical appliances or outlets that were near the fire or water need to be checked before they are used. Contact the fire department or appropriate professional to test for damage before you turn anything on.
  
  

Change Filters

• If you have a furnace in your house, change the air filter before you turn it back on. The same goes for any other air purifiers or appliances that require air to pass through a filter to function.
  
  

Cover Carpets

• Cover any carpeted areas in the house with old blankets or towels. This will stop anyone walking on them from grinding even more soot into the carpet.
  
  

Remove Open Packages

• If there were any open packages of food lying around the house before the fire, be sure to throw them away. Soot can get inside the package and on the food.
  
  

Wipe Porcelain

• Any porcelain fixtures or furnishings in the kitchen and bathroom should be wiped down to prevent etching from soot.
  
  

Blow or Brush

• Soot particles can become embedded in upholstery, drapes and carpets. Use a brush-vacuum or blow off any loose particles before they become a problem.
  
  

Don't Touch

• Despite how you may feel about seeing your belongings in such a state, refrain from touching anything. If there is any soot on your hands it may permeate upholstery, woodwork or walls and cause even more damage.