Securing premises

It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the property is secured following an emergency incident. However the police, in most cases will arrange for the property to be secured against theft and vandalism, and the fire service will arrange to protect the property from further damage by the weather.  

Caution

Smouldering remains can cause new fires. Look for signs of heat and smoke and contact the fire service if in doubt. Also, be aware of structural damage. Roofs and floors may be weakened.

Insurance

At the earliest date...

• Contact your insurance company, inform them of the incident, obtain and complete a claims form.
  They may wish to inspect your property before anything is moved.
  Return the form to the address shown on the claims form.
• If you are uninsured, you may be able to get financial help or furniture, from your local Social Security Office.
• If you have money that is partially burned, it can be taken to a bank for replacement.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN YOUR SAFE: A safe involved in a fire may hold the intense heat for several hours.
  If the door is opened before the safe has cooled down, the entering air, combined with the high temperature inside the safe, may cause the contents to burst into flames.
• If you rent or lease the property, you may be required to contact the landlord or his agent.

Power Supplies

If your internal supply has been affected, your utility provider will have to re-connect the supply after a qualified electrician has repaired it (even if only a temporary circuit) and notified the Board of completion. Do not attempt to reconnect or turn on the supply yourself.

Temporary lighting or heating units are potentially dangerous, especially if they have been unused or stored for some time. Do not forget to have these units checked by the manufacturer or qualified dealer before use. If you are unsure of the precautions to take when positioning or filling these appliances, contact your local fire station. Don't forget when using these appliances to read and follow the manufacturers instructions.

If any of your gas appliances have been affected by fire, the fire service or British Gas will turn off or disconnect your supply. It is important that either British Gas or an approved installer inspects and rectifies any problems in the system before any attempt is made to re-connect or turn on the supply.

A plumber will be required if your water supply has been affected. Do not attempt to turn on your water until your system has been attended by the plumber.

Notify following parties of your relocation

• Insurance company
• Mortgage company
• Employers
• Family and friends
• Schools
• Post office
• Suspend milk, newspapers, window cleaner
• Utility companies such as telephone, gas, electricity, water, refuse collection

The Clean Up

Carpets and Rugs

A wet and dry vacuum or water extractor cleaning machine is excellent for this job. It can be rented from various shops - look at the Yellow Pages. Allow them to dry out thoroughly.

Clothing

Always read the label. If the clothing can withstand bleaching it can be treated with the following mixture: half a cup or domestic ammonia to 2 gallons of water. Rinse in vinegar (wear kitchen gloves). If the clothes require dry cleaning - contact a specialist shop for advice.

Smells

This is a complex problem due to the materials used in the home and those which have been involved in the fire. Contact a specialist cleaning company, or for less severe smells, use a room deodorising product.

Ceilings and Walls

Un-papered walls may be washed down using a mild soap or detergent. Wash a small area at a time. Rinse with clean water immediately. Wallpaper cannot be effectively cleaned unless it is washable. Use a cloth soaked in a mild detergent and wrung out. Clean with water and re-paste edges of paper if necessary.

Furniture

For upholstered furniture, a wet and dry vacuum can be used or contact a specialist cleaning company from Yellow Pages. White spots on wood may be removed by turpentine or ammonia, then dry and polish.

Food

If in doubt - throw it out. Fresh food should generally be thrown out if contaminated by smoke. Food in glass jars should be discarded if the jar is cracked and has been subjected to heat. Tinned food should be thrown out if the tin has bulged or been subjected to heat. DO NOT re-freeze thawed food items.

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