Everyday safety
A fire in a home can cause serious damage. The building and many of the things in your home may have been badly damaged by flames, heat, smoke, and water. Things the fire did not burn up may now be ruined by smoke and soggy with water used to put out the flames. Anything you want to save or reuse will need to be carefully cleaned. Firefighters may have cut holes in the walls or roof to look for hidden flames or let out heat and smoke. Cleanup will take time and patience.
Overview
Now that you have more of an idea of what to expect, here are tips to help you get your family back to normal.
What Do I Do Now?
- Take Care of Yourself and Your Family: Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. They will help you find a place to stay and to find food, clothing, and medicine. Get plenty of rest, and ask for help. Do not try to do it all alone.
- Security and Safety: Do not enter a damaged home or apartment unless the fire department says it is safe. Fires can start again even if they appear to be out. Watch for damage to roofs and floors, which may fall down. The fire department will make sure utility services are safe to use. Contact your police department to let them know you will be away from your home.
- Contact Your Insurance Agent: Contact your insurance company right away. Ask what to do about the immediate needs of your home, including pumping out water and covering doors, windows, and other openings. Some companies may ask you to make a detailed list of everything that was damaged.
APA: Recovering Emotionally After a Residential Fire
Content Source: National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration
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Questions about fire safety?
Request a safety presentation or contact Company 12. For an emergency, call 911.
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