Introduction. Mark Burdick Fire Chief

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2 Introduction Fires are traumatic events that can destroy much more than a home. Treasured belongings, family heirlooms, and memories are also lost. Many people have little to no experience with the aftermath of a destructive fire. Often, the hardest part is figuring out where to begin and who to contact for help. The Glendale Fire Department offers this brochure in the hopes that it will be helpful during this time of crisis and personal recovery. Remember that you are not alone when disaster strikes. Your neighbors, your community, your Glendale Fire Department, and the various agencies of the State of Arizona are available to provide you with the resources necessary to rebuild your home, and begin the recovery process for your family. Mark Burdick Fire Chief

3 Table of Contents What Do I Do First ~ The Fire Department Process - What We Do & Why ~ What To Do In The First 24 Hours ~ When Can I Go Back Inside? ~ If You Must Leave Your Home ~ The Role of the Crisis Team Financial Recovery ~ If You Have Insurance ~ If You Do Not Have Insurance Recovery For Pets Recovery For Your Home ~ Protection & Inventory ~ Structural Damage ~ Utilities & Major Systems ~ Salvage Hints & Clean-Up ~ Rebuilding Recovery For Vehicle Fires Emotional Recovery Recovery Directories ~ Replacing Documents & Money ~ Federal, State & County Contacts ~ City of Glendale Contacts Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

4 Questions About Fire Department Operations After the fire, you may notice damage that appears unnecessary. Why broken windows? Why holes in the roof? Fires produce temperatures well over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, along with smoke and poisonous hot gases. As a fire burns, it moves upward and then outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof for ventilation slows the damaging outward movement, helps remove blinding smoke that obscures the actual fire, and enables firefighters to fight the fire more efficiently. Forcibly opening walls and ceilings also allows firefighters to locate hidden fires that may rekindle later on. Without the use of these firefighting techniques, complete fire suppression would be extremely difficult and smoke and fire damage could be more extensive. The result of this action is less damage to the structure in the long run.

5 Immediate Recovery ~ What To Do In The First 24 Hours Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to re-enter. Do not cut or walk past colored tape that was placed over doors or windows that mark damaged areas unless local authorities advise that it is safe to do so. If a building inspector has placed a color-coded sign on the home, do not enter it until you get more information, advice and instructions about what the sign means and whether it is safe to re-enter your home. ~ Be Cautious Do not enter the damaged site. Fires can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains. Normally, the fire department will see that utilities (water, electricity and natural gas) are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. Do not attempt to turn on utilities yourself. Be watchful for structural damage caused by the fire. Roofs and floors may be damaged and subject to collapse. ~ Food & Medicines If in doubt, throw it out! Any food, beverages, cosmetics, and/or medications exposed to heat or smoke should not be consumed or used. Medicines, especially, can change strength by exposure to heat. Please check with your doctor before taking these medicines. If food was in tightly closed or sealed containers, or in airtight refrigerators or freezers, they may be salvageable. However, it is far cheaper to replace these items than to jeopardize your health by taking a chance. Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

6 ~ If You Must Leave Your Home If your home is unlivable and if you cannot find a place to stay with family or friends, consult with your insurance company to see if you are covered for additional living expenses. The Glendale Fire Crisis Team may coordinate with the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army to help you with temporary shelter until you can arrange for a place to stay. If you must leave your home, contact the Glendale Police. They will keep an eye on the property during your absence. In some cases, it may be necessary to board up openings to discourage trespassers. Beginning immediately, save receipts for any money you spend. These receipts are important in showing the insurance company what money you have spent related to your fire loss and also for verifying losses claimed on your income tax. If it is safe to do so, try to locate the following items: Identification, such as Driver Licenses & Social Security Cards Insurance information Medication information Eyeglasses, hearing aids, or other prosthetic devices Valuables, such as credit cards, bank books, photos, cash and jewelry NOTE: Let safes cool down before opening.

7 If you move temporarily, there are many people/entities that should be notified of your relocation, including: Insurance agent/company Mortgage company Credit card companies Family and friends Employer Children s schools Post office Delivery services Subscriptions Fire and police departments Utility companies. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. All damages are taken into consideration in developing your insurance claim. If you are considering contracting for inventory or repair services, discuss your plans with your insurance agent/company first. Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

8 The Role of the Crisis Response Program After the fire is out and firefighters leave the scene for the next emergency call, fire victims often feel helpless. The Glendale Fire Department realized that fire victims need immediate guidance regarding where to go, what to do, and what happens next during those first hours after the fire. The Glendale Fire Department s Crisis Response Program was created to provide support, information, and referrals for customers in a crisis. After firefighters leave the scene for the next emergency, CR Team members remain to help. Services are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The CR Team will help arrange temporary housing, contact family members, and inform insurance companies. CR Team members can provide a minimal amount of clothing and toiletries to replace items destroyed in the fire. They also bridge communication among victim family members, fire department and police department personnel.

9 Financial Recovery ~ If You Have Insurance The first thing to do after the fire is to contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. If you are renting or leasing the property, you must also contact the owner. Your insurance adjuster may be able to help you in making immediate repairs or helping to secure your home. If you are unable to contact your agent and need professional assistance in boarding up your home, contact a general contractor or a fire damage restoration firm for help. (Refer to your yellow pages under Contractors General or Fire and Water Damage Restoration.) If you must stay elsewhere, remove as many valuables as possible. If the Glendale Fire Department is investigating the fire, fire personnel will accompany you through the house as you remove these items. Be sure to inventory the property you remove. Remember to check for important legal documents. To obtain a copy of the fire report, have your agent or insurance adjuster contact the Glendale Fire Department Prevention Office listed in the Recovery Directory at the end of this brochure. It is advisable to not settle claims or sign releases too quickly. Take your time to make sure your agent knows all of your losses, since it may be difficult to recall everything at once. Much more laundry and cleaning might be necessary due to smoky odors and fine smoke particles than first expected. Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

10 ~ If You Do Not Have Insurance If your property is not insured or if your insurance will not cover all your losses, contact your family lawyer or the Internal Revenue Service for directions. You may be eligible for casualty loss. Check publication 547: Tax Information on Disasters, Casualty Losses and Thefts, available from your local Internal Revenue Service Office listed in the Recovery Directory at the end of this brochure. When severe damages occur to buildings, it may be worthwhile to have professionals provide estimates associated with cleaning costs. Check with your insurance carrier to determine if this type of service is covered by your policy and if the insurer will either accept billing from the restoration company or will reimburse you. If you are not insured and need assistance, the American Red Cross is available to assist families who have been displaced from their homes due to any type of disaster. They are available around the clock, every day of the year, with food, clothing and housing. Their number is listed in the Recovery Directory at the end of this brochure. Recovery For Pets If you have pets, try to find and comfort them. A scared animal may react by biting or scratching. Handle animals carefully and calmly. Smoke from the fire is harmful, even deadly, to cats and dogs. If necessary, take your pet to a veterinarian. If your pet is lost in the confusion, call the Arizona Human Society or the Rabies and Animal Control office as listed in the Recovery Directory at the end of this brochure. Since pets need regular care and attention to help them calm down, try to leave pets with a family member, friends, veterinarian or boarding facility while you are cleaning up your home. Animals are naturally inquisitive and could be injured if they are brought back to a damaged home too soon. Make sure pets are fed their usual diet and have plenty of water.

11 Recovery For Your Home ~ Protection & Inventory Prepare a list of damaged or lost items and provide receipts if possible. Consider photographing or videotaping the damage where it occurred for further documentation to support your claim. If possible, keep damaged items or portions of those items until the claims adjuster has visited your home. Do not throw away anything you plan to claim without discussing it with your adjuster first. Keep receipts for all additional expenses you may incur, such as lodging, repairs or other supplies, meals, and transportation. Make copies of all documents and pictures given to your claims adjuster or insurance company. Besides insurance, there will be questions related to taxes, expenses, and determining just how you will recover from a personal financial point of view. ~ Structural Damage The Fire Department will notify the Building Safety Department if your home has sustained damage as a result of fire. The Building Safety Department will conduct an inspection of your home to assess the extent of the fire damage and to determine what permits are required to repair it. Before attempting any repairs, please contact the Building Safety Department as listed in the Recovery Directory at the end of this brochure. Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

12 ~ Utilities & Major Systems Often the Fire Department will have utility services shut off or disconnected as a safety precaution. This is also done to prevent further damage to the structure and contents. The utility company will not make repairs on the customer s side of the meter, such as house wiring or gas lines. All repairs of this nature require permits and inspection by the Glendale Building Safety Department. The utility companies cannot restore your utilities until repairs are approved and a clearance has been issued by the Glendale Building Safety Department listed in the Recovery Directory at the end of this brochure. ~ General Safety Measures If you see sparks, broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, dial If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using sinks, showers or toilets. Call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, turn off the water at the main valve. Call a plumber for assistance.

13 General Cleaning & Salvage Hints IF YOU ARE INSURED, contact your insurance company. Professional fire and water damage restoration businesses may be the best source of cleaning and restoring personal belongings. IF YOU ARE NOT INSURED, and do any cleaning yourself, read all Instructions and warnings first. WARNINGS!!! 1. NEVER mix chlorine bleach with anything other than water or laundry detergent. Chlorine bleach mixed with ammonia or other chemicals can result in toxic fumes with serious, potentially fatal results. 2. NEVER use gasoline or flammable liquids for cleaning. 3. ALWAYS properly dispose of household chemicals when the original container or label is damaged. Do not transfer chemicals to new containers. 4. ALWAYS ensure that your propane tanks are secure and not leaking. Check to make sure the lines have not been damaged by fire. If the fire may have damaged the tank or lines, do not use the propane. Contact your propane service provider. 5. ALWAYS keep children and pets away from chemical cleaning processes. Use only with good ventilation Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

14 Recovering & Cleaning Your Home Yourself This information is designed to help you begin cleaning and restoring your home and personal items after the fire. It is by no means a complete guide. As you begin this process, please understand there may be a residual smoke odor. Place small saucers of household vanilla, vinegar, or activated charcoal about your home to help absorb these odors. Remember that the smoke odor is also inside the heating and cooling duct work and that you get a fresh blast of it every time your air system is turned on. 1. Vacuum all surfaces. 2. Change and clean air conditioner/heater filters. 3. Seal off the room in which you are working with plastic wrap to keep soot from moving from one location to another. Keep windows closed while working. 4. Walls Remove soot and smoke from walls with a mixture of 4 to 6 tablespoons tri-sodium phosphate (available at paint stores) and 1 gallon of water. Use rubber gloves and goggles while workin with this solution. Usually wallpaper cannot be restored. Check with your wallpaper dealer. WARNINGS!!! Keep mixture away from children and pets! Wash a small area at a time. Work from the floor up. Do ceilings last. Rinse thoroughly. Do not repaint until everything is completely dry. Use a smoke sealer before repainting.

15 5. Furniture Do not use chemicals on furniture. Use FLAX SOAP, an inexpensive product available in hardware and paint stores, on wood, including kitchen cabinets. Do not dry furniture in the sun, as wood may warp and twist out of shape. Be sure to remove drawers. Let them dry thoroughly to prevent sticking when you replace them. Scrub wood furniture or fixtures with a stiff brush and a cleaning solution. Wet wood can decay and mold, so dry thoroughly. Open doors and windows for good ventilation. If mold forms, wipe the wood with a cloth soaked in a mixture of borax dissolved in hot water. 6. To remove white spots or film, rub the wood surface with a 4/0 steel wool pad dipped in liquid polishing wax. Wipe with a soft cloth and buff. Rub wood surface with a cloth soaked in a solution of 1 2 cup household ammonia and 1 2 cup water. Then wipe the surface dry and polish with wax or rub the surface with a cloth soaked in a solution of 1 2 cup turpentine and 1 2 cup linseed oil. Be careful turpentine is combustible. Floors Use FLAX SOAP on wood and linoleum floors. It will take 4 to 5 applications. Then strip and re-wax. Check for water damage beneath vinyl flooring. Trapped water can cause odors, warp the supporting wood and eventually cause the floor to lift. Call a flooring dealer for suggestions to remove or loosen remaining adhesive without damaging the covering. After removing the covering, let the wood dry thoroughly before replacing. Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

16 7. Rugs Allow rugs to dry thoroughly. Throw rugs can be cleaned by beating, sweeping, or vacuuming, and then shampooing. Rugs should be dried as quickly as possible lay them flat and expose them to a circulation of warm, dry air. A fan turned on the rugs will speed drying. Make sure rugs are thoroughly dry. Even though the surface seems dry, moisture remaining at the base of the tufts can quickly cause the rug to rot. For information on cleaning and preserving carpets, call a carpet dealer, installer, or a qualified carpet cleaning professional. For wall-to-wall carpets, remove water with a wet/dry vacuum or a water extractor carpet cleaning machine. These can often be rented at supermarkets or drugstores. Clean the carpet per machine instructions. Rinse by using vinegar and water in the tank of the machine. 8. Mattresses Reconditioning inner-spring mattresses at home is difficult, if not impossible. Mattresses can probably be renovated by a company that builds or repairs mattresses. If you must use your mattress temporarily, dry it in the sun and cover with plastic sheeting before using. It is almost impossible to get smoke odor out of pillows. Feathers and foam retain odors Mildew Mildew is a mold growth. To remove mildew, wash stain with soap and water. Rinse well and dry in the sun. If stain remains, use lemon juice and salt, or a diluted solution of household chlorine bleach and warm water. Clothes If the clothes can be bleached, wash then in a solution of 1 2 cup of ammonia to 2 gallons of water. Rinse in vinegar, using rubber gloves. If you have questions, contact a professional cleaning service before doing anything. 11. Electrical Appliances Do not use appliances that have been exposed to water or steam until a service representative has checked them. Steam can remove the lubricant from some moving parts.

17 Cooking Utensils Wash pots, pans, flatware, etc., in hot, soapy water, rinse, and polish with a fine-powdered cleaner. Polish copper and brass with customized polish, or salt sprinkled on a piece of lemon, or salt sprinkled on a cloth saturated in vinegar. Refrigerator & Freezer Odor Defrost and wash all surfaces with water and dishwashing detergent. Rinse using a diluted baking soda and water solution. Re-rinse with clear water. A washing solution of 1 cup vinegar in one and 1/3 gallons of water may also be used. Leather Goods Wipe leather goods with a damp cloth, then a dry cloth. Stuff purses and shoes with newspaper to retain shape. Leave suitcases open. Leather goods should be dried away from heat and sun. When leather goods are dry, clean with saddle soap. Rinse leather and suede jackets in cold water and dry away from heat and sun. Books Wet books must be taken care of as soon as possible. The best method is to freeze them in a vacuum freezer. This special freezer will remove moisture without damaging pages. If there is a delay in locating such a freezer, place books in a normal freezer until a vacuum freezer can be located. A local librarian can also be a good resource. Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

18 Rebuilding Make sure the contractor rebuilding your home obtains a building permit and follows current building, fire and electrical codes for your area. Ask a professional about installing automatic residential fire sprinklers during the reconstruction process. It is much less expensive to install sprinklers during construction than after construction is completed. Make sure smoke alarms are installed correctly by following local fire protection codes. We recommend having smoke alarms installed inside each sleeping room, hallway outside sleeping areas, and at least one on every floor of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that if one alarm sounds, all will sound. Smoke alarms should be operated by both household power and batteries in case the household power goes out. Check with your local authorities.

19 Vehicle Fires Contact your insurance agent to explain coverage and assist with your claim. If your vehicle is damaged in a structure fire, contact both your home insurance and vehicle insurance agents. Check the yellow pages of your phone directory for the following listings: If your vehicle is repairable: Automobile Repair & Service. If towing is required: Automobile Road Service. If your vehicle is a total loss: Automobile Salvage It may have some value to a salvage yard. ~ Fire Department Procedures Occasionally, fire crews will have to force entry into the vehicle to check for fire extension and to extinguish the fire. To ensure that the fire is completely extinguished, it may be necessary for fire crews to: 1. Cut and/or disconnect battery cables to prevent electrical shorting of wires where insulation of wiring has been damaged. 2. Completely remove padding from seats, especially where cotton padding is used. 3. Force entry into the passenger compartment, engine compartment, and trunk of vehicle to extinguish the fire, check for fire extension, and/or gain access to battery cables. Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

20 Emotional Recovery Recovering emotionally is just as important for you and your family as rebuilding a home and healing physical injuries. Understanding reactions is a good way to begin. Disasters often stir up unexpected feelings and thoughts. Fear of safety for a loved one, shock, grief, fatigue, anger, extreme sadness, guilt, closing down, memory problems, nightmares, flashbacks of the event, anxiety, depression, disorientation and denial are all common reactions. Traumatic events are unsettling for everyone. It is important to let your family know that they are safe and that there will be a safe place for them to stay. Children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people for whom English is not their first language are especially vulnerable. How a parent or other adult reacts to these groups following any traumatic event can help them recover more quickly and more completely. Emotional Recovery Can Begin Right Away 1. Try to return to as many of your personal and family routines as possible. 2. Get rest and drink plenty of water. 3. Limit your exposure to the sights and sounds of disaster, especially on television the radio and in the newspapers. 4. Focus on the positive. 5. Recognize your own feelings. 6. Reach out and accept help from others. 7. Do something you enjoy. Do something as a family that you have all enjoyed in the past. 8. Stay connected with your family and/or other support systems. 9. Realize that sometimes recovery can take time. If you observe unusual behavior among family members which you think may be caused by a reaction to the disaster, contact the Glendale Crisis Team or the Red Cross. A school counselor, or community professional may also offer assistance or information. But get help.

21 Recovery Checklist ~ Documents & Records You May Need: Animal Registration & Vaccinations Automobile Titles Bank Books & Records Birth, Death, & Marriage Certificates Bureau of Records - Appropriate State Burial Contracts Citizenship Papers Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Credit Cards Divorce Decree Income Tax Records Insurance Policies Medical Records Military Records Military Discharge Papers Passports Payment Books School Records Stocks & Bonds Subscriptions Titles to Deeds Warranties Wills Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

22 Records Recovery & Replacement If paper documents are wet, freeze them immediately. When copies are needed, allow to thaw, lift off each page as it thaws, and photocopy. Check the phone book for professional document services. ~ Burned Money Handle burned money as little as possible. Attempt to encase each bill or portion of a bill in plastic wrap for preservation. If money is only half-burned or less, (if half or more is still in tact), you can take the remainder to your regional Federal Reserve Bank for replacement. Ask your bank for the nearest location. Or you can mail the burned or torn money by Registered Mail/ Return Receipt Requested to: Department of Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing Office of Currency Standards P.O. Box Washington, D.C ~ Melted Coins Mutilated or melted coins can be taken to your regional Federal Reserve Bank or mailed by Registered Mail/ Return Receipt Requested to: Superintendent U.S. Mint P.O. Box 400 Philadelphia, AZ ~ Burned U.S. Savings Bonds If your U.S. Savings Bonds have been destroyed or mutilated, you must obtain Department of Treasury Form PD F 1048 (I) from your bank or and mail to: Department of Treasury Bureau of Public Debt Savings Bond Operations P.O. Box 1328 Parkersburg, WV

23 Federal, State & County Contacts American Red Cross Services & Temporary Housing Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Vital Records Counseling Services Arizona Department of Transportation Customer Service Arizona Humane Society Lost & Found Arizona Republic Department of Economic Security Income Tax Returns (Past) IRS Center where filed, your accountant or Rabies Animal Control Passport Office Public Transit System Valley Metro Salvation Army Emergency Shelter For Families Family Services Project HOPE Social Security Administration State Department of Revenue Microfilm Services Passport Office *Vital Statistics Department (Maricopa County) *Vital Statistics Department (State of Arizona) *The Vital Statistics Department should be contacted to obtain replacement birth and death certificates. Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.

24 City of Glendale Contacts Community Action Program (CAP) (Food Distribution-Surplus Government Commodities) Development Services Center Building Safety Department Dial-A-Ride Bus Service Fire Department Emergency Crisis Response Team Glendale Fire Administration Glendale Fire Community Services Glendale Fire Investigations Youth Fire-setter Intervention Police Department Emergency Non-Emergency Glendale Police Dept Admin ~ Utilities Electrical: Arizona Public Services (APS) Salt River Project (SRP) Gas: Southwest Gas Phone: Cox Communications Qwest (Hit 0 ) ~ Other Sanitation Turn On/Off 8-5/M-F After Hours & Weekends Victim Assistance Westside Food Bank North 55th Avenue

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27 This After The Fire...Steps to Recovery brochure was prepared to assist fire victims. There are no warranties made in connection with this publication and/or the City of Glendale and/or the Glendale Fire Department and/or its programs. Neither parties nor assigns shall be held responsible for any damages (consequential, special or otherwise), arising from its use. Fast. Caring. Innovative. Professional.