Before anyone goes in
- Has the home been aired out from outside, with doors and windows opened?
- Is the furnace or air conditioner off, and will it stay off for now?
- Do you know exactly what you need to retrieve and where it is?
- Do you have gloves, sealed goggles and, for tear gas, a particulate respirator?
- Is someone outside who can help if you start having trouble breathing?
Before the household moves back
- Has every affected room been cleaned, including soft goods and floors?
- Has the HVAC filter been replaced and the system inspected or cleaned?
- Have adults spent time in every room, with the system running, without symptoms?
- Are bedding, pillows and children's items cleaned or replaced?
- Is there a plan if symptoms return?
Stage the return
A gradual return is safer than everyone moving back at once. Healthy adults go first and spend time in each room, sitting on furniture and opening closets. The HVAC is run with windows open while adults watch for symptoms. Children, older adults and anyone with asthma come back last, once adults have stayed several hours without irritation.
If anyone's eyes or throat burn, note where, leave that room, and have it cleaned again.
Short trips before the full return
Most households need to go back briefly before cleanup is finished, for medications, documents, work items or clothes. Plan those trips so they are short: know exactly where the items are, wear gloves and goggles, open doors from outside first and leave them open, and have someone wait outside. Bag what you take out so residue does not travel to where you are staying.
If a trip leaves anyone coughing or with burning eyes, that is useful information: the home is not ready for longer stays.
Common questions
Is there a test that shows the home is clear?
There is no simple home test. The practical check is whether people can spend time in every room, with the air system running, without irritation.
How long should the first full stay be?
Start with a few hours with the air system running. If nobody has symptoms, stay overnight before bringing back children or anyone with asthma.
Should windows stay open after people move back?
For the first days, opening windows when weather allows helps clear any lingering residue.
General information for Berkeley, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.