How to Test for Smoke Following a House Fire

Smoke that remains after a house fire is a threat to the people living in the house as well as to all of their belongings. It is the job of the firemen and their chief to determine whether it is safe for the resident to return to a home affected by a fire. Smoke damage to walls, furniture, floors and ceilings may cause the house to be temporarily unsafe or condemned.

Things You'll Need

• Smoke detector
• Fireman supervision

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Instructions

• 1

  Walk through the house under the supervision of a fireman or fire chief. If your eyes burn or water, and if you find that it is uncomfortable to breathe, smoke is still lingering in your house. Firemen on scene will not take you into a house that is unsafe to enter. If a house is safe to enter after a fire, a fireman will escort you through to collect your belongings.

• 2

  Survey the walls and furniture of the house or apartment. A dark grey or black tinge is a sign of considerable smoke damage, and may be evidence that there is still smoke in the house.

• 3

  Purchase a new smoke detector. Place new batteries in it and activate it. If the smoke detector goes off even after your house has been deemed safe, call your local fire department.