Most residents of the Falcon Fire Protection District may never need this information. But, for a small number of residents, this information may be valuable when dealing with the aftermath of a fire.Dwelling fires, whether a house, condominium or apartment, can have devastating impacts on adults, children and pets. Knowing how to deal with the results of a fire can significantly lessen emotional and physical effects on all those involved.”People are very aware of the resources available to them when it comes to fire prevention,” said Falcon Fire Department Lt. Rob Riege. “What they may not realize is that there are abundant resources available to help them cope with and recover from the devastation of a home fire. In 2009, fewer than 10 people in the Falcon Fire Protection District were forced to relocate after a fire, which is very fortunate,” Riege said.”Know what you can do safely to recover items, which local agencies offer support, how to handle utilities, what to do with food that’s been exposed to heat and smoke are just some of the myriad of issues to deal with after a fire.”Emotions run high following a fire. Fire victims may be eager to begin recovering possessions; however, there are inherent dangers following a fire that could endanger lives and further damage property. To ensure everyone’s safety after a fire, follow these tips:”Don’t go inside the house for any reason! Stay together inside your pre-determined meeting spot. (Firefighters and/or law enforcement will help answer your questions and help you find a temporary place to stay.)If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, tell firefighters that you need medical attention; cool and cover burns to reduce the chance of further injury or infection.Don’t enter the damaged site. Fires can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains.If you’re unable to occupy your home because it’s unsafe, ask someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.In some situations, determining the cause of the fire may require an investigation. It may be unlawful for you or your insurance company’s staff to enter the site without permission from investigators.”The Falcon Fire Department will do everything it can to help residents quickly and safely re-enter their homes to recover possessions and begin the rebuilding process,” Riege said. “However, our primary goal is to ensure public safety and protect lives.”In addition to the steps outlined above, here are some steps to take within 24 hours of a fire in your home:
- Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army, to help with your immediate needs, such as:
- temporary housing
- food
- medicine
- eyeglasses
- clothing
- other essential items
- Contact your insurance agent/company.
- If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.
- Normally, the fire department will see that utilities (water, electricity and natural gas) are safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site.
- Do not attempt to turn off/on utilities yourself.
- Be watchful for structural damage caused by the fire. Roofs and floors could be damaged and subject to collapse.
- Food, beverages and medicine exposed to heat, smoke, soot and water should not be consumed.
- If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames.
