It can be one of the worst days of your life. If your home or business has been damaged or even destroyed by fire, it can seem that your entire life may be collapsing. But the difficulty will pass and people can and do recover and rebuild after a fire. It will take a lot of organization and a major factor in putting things back together will be taking your personal items or items important to your business away from the fire scene and placing them in storage. There’s a lot that goes into storage after a fire and a good place to look for help is A.B. Richards.
A.B. Richards Can Help After a Disaster
A.B. Richards rents ground level portable storage containers, for many purposes. Our storage containers are great for residential use, during a renovation or in anticipation of a move. You can use an A.B. Richards storage container for your business, to store extra inventory, business records or if you need extra storage for industrial purposes. If you run a construction company, A.B. Richards portable storage containers are ideal for storing machinery and materials at a job site. If you’re going to need extra storage for a while, because of a disaster like a fire or a storm, A.B. Richards can keep your belongings safe.
The Immediate Aftermath of a Fire
You may feel overwhelmed after a fire, but there are steps you can take. Please be certain you follow all laws and regulations about re-entering a structure after a fire. According to FEMA, there are items that can survive a fire, even if your building is heavily damaged. But the first thing you need to do before putting anything into storage is to carefully clean it.
The American Red Cross gives some tips about post-fire cleanup. Products which contain tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) can reduce odors in fabrics. But TSP is caustic so be careful. Follow all directions and safety instructions. If you have a smoke odor in clothes that can be bleached, mix 4-6 tablespoons of TSP with one cup of cleaner or bleach for every gallon of warm water used. You can also use this formula to remove soot and smoke from furniture and walls.
- Use soapy water on things like pots, pans, and flatware. Then, polish them after everything is washed, rinsed and dry
- Leather goods should be wiped down with a damp cloth
- Purses and shoes should be stuffed with newspaper in order to retain their shapes
- Don’t dry leather goods in the sun
- Be cautious about moving large objects like furniture, because they can become unstable
- Check any appliances for water damage before you attempt to use them again
A.B. Richards Gives You Storage When and Where You Need It
If you’re recovering from a home or business fire, A.B. Richards can help you get back on track. We’ll deliver your portable storage container to where you need it and we’ll pick it up when you’re finished with it. To learn more, contact us today.
