Asbestos & Smoke Contamination
It’s not as scary as you think.
Hearing the words “asbestos” or “smoke contamination” can feel terrifying. Many of our clients have told us that those words alone brought a wave of dread they weren’t prepared for.
So before anything else, pause for a moment.
Take a breath, and exhale.
You do not need to know everything right now, and this is not the end of your story. This toolkit includes information, education, and guidance to help you understand risks, safety, and how to clean or sort through certain items. You’ll have support as you move through this—step by step.
We also understand the urge to get back into your home as quickly as possible or to retrieve anything you can. The belongings in your home aren’t just “things”—they hold memories, meaning, and pieces of your life. It’s completely normal to start feeling the emotional weight of what’s been lost or what might be damaged.
What you’re feeling is real, valid, and expected. And you don’t have to face it alone. You can also call Our Front Porch anytime Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., to speak with someone who can answer your questions. Remember to reach out to us for support and guidance. Don’t let asbestos scare you. You don’t need to know everything, and it will be ok.
What’s included in this toolkit
✺ What Disaster Survivors have to say ✺
We understand that part of your healing right now is the deep desire to hold onto some sense of your “old life.” It’s human to think that cleaning items or bringing things back into your possession will ease the grief or help you feel grounded again. And sometimes, without realizing it, we pour our time, money, and energy into saving items—only to discover later that they never quite make it back into our home.
Mary and her husband experienced this firsthand. They lost their home and their two beloved dogs in the fire. The grief was overwhelming, and they were desperate for even a small sense of control in the middle of so much chaos. For them, that control came from gathering items from the house and spending significant time and money trying to clean and restore them. It felt like something they could do when everything else felt impossible.
But when they finally moved into their new home, none of those items made it inside. The smell lingered, triggering painful memories and taking them instantly back to their darkest moments. The only belongings they kept were a small bag of their dogs’ things. A year later, it still sits in their garage—untouched, but deeply meaningful. Keeping those items was an essential part of grieving the loss of their dogs.
If you find yourself walking this same road, please do not judge yourself. Sometimes, holding onto anything that gives you a sense of control is part of what helps us survive the early stages of rebuilding. Healing isn’t linear, and there is no “right way” to move through it. Be gentle with yourself—you’re doing the best you can.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support, and don’t turn it down when it is offered. At first you need everything and only want what you had and can’t have now. ”
“Walking or jogging every day for at least an hour helped me process what was going on and grounded me.”
“Keep a journal of things related to your recovery - conversations with insurance adjusters, contractors, feelings, as well as frustrations.
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Journal Prompts
Journaling after a disaster can be a gentle way to care for yourself during an overwhelming time. Putting your thoughts and emotions into words helps your brain and body make sense of what you’ve been through, easing anxiety and bringing back a small sense of control. Even a few sentences or simple notes can make a meaningful difference in supporting your healing and emotional balance.
For Adults: What can you do to calm your body when you are feeling overwhelmed?
For Kids: Download this “Balloon Breathing” activity sheet.
Have a question about your recovery?
You can call Our Front Porch at 720-593-8606 to speak to someone or email info@ourfrontporchco.org and one of our Disaster Recovery Specialists will get back to you within 48 hours.