Wait for access clearance
A fire can damage structural supports, wiring and utilities even where surfaces appear intact. Follow the fire department’s instructions and do not use appliances until they are evaluated.
Avoid spreading residue
Soot can mark materials when rubbed or tracked into clean areas. Limit handling of belongings and avoid household cleaning experiments. Different residues and surfaces need different methods.
Plan contents and building work together
Create an inventory of affected belongings and discuss what may be cleaned, stored or replaced. Building repairs, smoke-source removal and drying after firefighting may need to be coordinated.