Short answer: Throw away food, medicine and cosmetics exposed to heat, smoke or firefighting water, plus burned or soaked mattresses and stuffed furniture. Photograph and list everything before you throw it out for your insurance claim.
After a fire, it can be hard to know what is safe to keep. Heat and smoke can make some things unsafe even when they look fine.
Throw away
- All food that was near heat, smoke or soot, including canned food that bulged or got very hot
- Food in a refrigerator that lost power for a long time
- Medicine, vitamins and cosmetics exposed to heat or smoke
- Burned clothing, bedding and toys
- Mattresses and stuffed furniture soaked by firefighting water
Often can be cleaned
- Clothing and linens with only a smoke smell, after several washes or professional cleaning
- Hard furniture, dishes and glass
- Many photos and documents, with professional help
- Metal items, after soot is removed
Record before you toss
- Take photos and video of every item
- Make a list with the item, its age and its value
- Keep samples of damaged carpet or fabric if your insurer asks
- Do not throw anything out until your adjuster says it is fine
Safety first
Wear gloves and a mask when handling burned items, because soot can irritate skin and lungs. Do not enter the home until the fire department says it is safe.
When to call a professional
A fire damage restoration company can clean smoke and soot from items that look ruined, and pack out belongings for cleaning and storage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep canned food after a fire?
Throw out cans that bulged, rusted, or got very hot. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can smoke damaged clothes be saved?
Often yes, with repeated washing or professional cleaning. Burned items cannot.
Does insurance pay for things I throw away?
Usually yes, if they are listed and documented as part of a covered loss.
Related
Read our what can be saved after a fire guide and our contents pack out page.
For more background, see the U.S. Fire Administration, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
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