Take Care of Yourself and Family After a Fire

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

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. Make sure that you have a safe place to live temporarily. Get plenty of rest and ask for help. Do not try to do it all alone.

*Do not eat, drink, or breathe in anything that has been near the flames, smoke, soot, or water used to put out the fire.*

Help Your Pets

Try to leave pets with a family member, friend, or veterinarian if you are visiting or cleaning your property. Keep your pets out of the house until the cleanup is complete to keep them safe.

Security and Safety

DO NOT enter a damaged property unless the fire department says it is safe. Watch for damage caused by the incident. Roofs and floors may be damaged and could fall. The fire department will make sure the utility services (water, electricity, and gas) are safe to use. If they are not safe then firefighters will have your utilities turned off or disconnected before they leave. DO NOT try to turn them back on by yourself. Contact your police department to let them know that you will be away from your property.