Protecting Your Health and Safety in the Aftermath of a Structure Fire
As residents return to their properties, it is natural to want to sift through the remains or clear away debris in the hope of salvaging meaningful objects or preparing to rebuild. However, it is critically important to understand that the ash and debris left behind after a home has been completely burned to the ground are considered hazardous materials. Handling these materials without the proper expertise and protection can pose significant risks to your health and safety.
Given the complexity and severity of the hazards present, sifting through or removing ash and debris should not be attempted by untrained individuals. Professional contractors and cleanup crews specializing in hazardous materials have:
- Extensive Training: These professionals are trained to recognize, contain, and remove hazardous substances safely and efficiently.
- Specialized Equipment: Proper cleanup requires industrial-grade equipment, such as HEPA-filtered vacuums, decontamination units, and containment barriers to prevent the spread of hazardous dust and particles.
- Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Trained crews use regulated PPE to protect themselves from inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact. Standard PPE includes NIOSH-approved respirators, full-body suits, gloves, eye protection, and in some cases, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs).
For property owners who are remediating their site through their insurance provider, arrangements should be made to transported the material to the Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility.
For property owners who do not have insurance, there will be a designated bin at the Town depot to receive ash. Metals must be separated and placed in the designated area at the depot. Refer to previous messaging about Newco Metal Recyclers.