I live in a city where unfortunately, fires are prevalent, so I feel as though Iave developed the knowledge to know how much time one should allow between a fire and when to clean up. Because there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, Iave outlined a few different answers below, to allow you to decide for yourself what works.

The first, and perhaps most important step, is to secure an expert - such as a building inspector or the fire department - to inspect the area and ensure the environment is solid and safe. Once youave done so, the next step is to leave the area untouched until an adjuster from your insurance company has seen and reviewed the damage. Of course, in the instance that there are unsecured items that are of high interest to burglars, removing these items and storing them somewhere safe would be in your best interest. While objects can be physically replaced, the emotionally attachment to something cannot be, and burglars arenat going to spare a high-ticket item just because it happens to be family heirloom. Unfortunately, disaster areas are a red flag to thieves who take advantage of your vulnerability. After this has all been taken care of, the last thing you should do it take photographs of the area and the remains. If youave lost your camera in the ruins, pick up a disposable camera at your local drug store. This photographs could come in handy eventually.

You have a choice of either a regular cleaning company (i.e. people who do normal house cleaning), commercial cleaning (i.e. people who clean up after disasters for a living) or doing it yourself. Don't laugh at the last one, it is not as hard as you think if you are fit and ready for the task. The best thing about doing it yourself is that you don't have strangers polking around in your belongings.

A cleaning crew knows how to handle cleaning house, but you will need to make sure they are aware of the extent of the damage. They may not be ready, willing, or able to tackle such a project. They may also charge you a premium for taking on the job, or they could outright refuse to even consider the offer.

Next are the companies that do disaster cleaning for a living. I have known some of these people and while you first thought would be "eeewwww why would a person do this for a living?" They have their act down to a science and use some tricks that I will describe to you in the next paragraph, so it is not so bad (or so I'm told). After they are hired, they usually come on the scene in a "flock" so the job goes relatively quick, they have people who have different areas of expertise as well as companionship to hopefully make the time fly.

If you are low on funds or downright just want to do it yourself (with the help of friends and family, of course) the following is for you. You need simple supplies, this is not a time to be fussy. You need: 1. heavy duty shovel 2. extra strong garbage bags 3. hose 4. tarps depending upon if there are and how many spots there are that are exposed to the elements 5. lots of paint (any color will do, so go on the cheap) 6. dumpster. You should take the cleanup in the following order: 1. affix tarps to exposed areas 2. if you have low areas in your home (i.e. basement, step down inside patio etc.) you have to drain the water out 3. shovel all of the loose items into the dumpster 4. then you move the heavy stuff which has to be put into the dumpster. 5. As soon as everything is dry and before mold sets in, you paint over every surface of the scene. Paint will encapsulate the charring in a safe way and will stop the smell immediately.

Now that your armed with the knowledge on when and how to clean up after a fire, the last thing you need to know is that a fire is a traumatic experience, and can emotionally devastate you. If the fire affected you personally, you may be better off hiring a cleaning service to save you the emotional distress of having to relive the experience again.

Once thatas all done, youall be able to build a new house or building, and start all over again. If this ever happens to you, a positive way to look at it is that youall be able to create something bigger and better from the ashes of your old house. You should also use it as a lesson to appreciate what you do have in life and not put so much value in material items, because in the long run, theyare really not that important.