Poulsbo Fire Department
Prevention & Safety

What to do After a Fire

Questions About Fire
You might ask why we break windows and doors or put holes in your roof? Fire produces smoke, hot gases, as well as temperatures well over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. At times, it is necessary to eliminate heat, smoke and hot gases before firefighters can enter to extinguish the fire. The ventilation must be done quickly to help reduce fire spread and smoke damage. Often, walls must be forcibly opened to check for "hidden" fire. After the fire is out, the damage may appear unnecessary; however, without the use of these fire fighting techniques, complete fire suppression would be extremely difficult.

WARNING! DO NOT OPERATE WET APPLIANCES.

• Household wiring which may have been water damaged should be checked by an electrician before the current is turned back on.
• Be watchful for any structural damage caused by the fire. The Fire Department will secure property we believe to be a safety hazard.
• Any food or beverages that had contact with smoke, soot, or heat should be discarded. Wash your canned goods and jars in soapy water. If the labels come off, be sure to relabel them with a black marker only if you know the contents! Don't use foods if cans have bulged, are dented, or show rust. IF YOU ARE UNSURE...THROW IT OUT!
• Any medications that had contact with smoke, soot or heat should also be thrown out. If you are uncertain about the re usability of the medication, call your pharmacist. He will know if the medication can be reused and can also provide a refill if authorized by your doctor.
• If your power has been turned off, KEEP DOORS TO REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER CLOSED! Refrigerators and freezers left unopened will hold their temperature for a short time. If your food becomes spoiled or thawed, THROW IT OUT! (For more information on saving foods, SEE SALVAGE HINTS.)
• If you have a safe, do not attempt to open it! Wait until the safe has cooled, otherwise there is a chance that hot gases inside it could burst into flames when the door is opened.
• The Fire Department will see that the utilities (water, electric and/or natural gas) are either safe to use or are disconnected before we leave. The utility company will not make repairs on the customer's side of the meter, therefore you will have to contact a private contractor to make repairs. All repairs of this nature require permits and inspection by inspectors in the City's Planning Division. The utility company will not restore your utilities until the repairs are approved by the City's Inspectors. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RECONNECT UTILITIES YOURSELF!
• The Fire Department will remove as much water and debris as possible from the fire building before turning the building over to the owner. It is the responsibility of the owner to see that the property is secure after the Fire Department leaves the scene. In the event the Fire Department feels the building is unsafe, we will secure the property as best we can.

Cleaning / Restoration
If insured, contact your insurance company. If not, here are some things you might want to consider.

General Procedures
Vacuum all surfaces. Change and clean air conditioner /heater filters. Seal off the room in which you are working in with plastic wrap to keep soot from moving from one location to another.

Walls
To remove soot and smoke, mix 4-6 tablespoons of tri-sodium phosphate (available in paint stores) and 1 gallon of water. We strongly suggest the use of rubber gloves and goggles when working with this solution. Wash a small area at a time. Rinse thoroughly. Do not repaint until completely dry. It is advisable to use a smoke sealer (also available in paint stores) before painting. Keep mixture away from children and pets. Wall papered walls usually cannot be restored and must be replaced.

Furniture
Do not use chemicals on furniture. A very inexpensive product called FLAX SOAP (available in hardware and paint stores) is a safe product to use on wood, including kitchen cabinets. Do not dry furniture in the sun as the wood will warp and twist out of shape.

WARNING! DO NOT MIX AMMONIA & BLEACH.

Floors/Carpets
Use FLAX SOAP on wood and linoleum floors. It will take 4-5 applications. Then strip and re-wax or treat as otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Steam clean, shampoo, and repeat steam cleaning for carpets.

Mattresses/Pillows
If you must use your mattress temporarily, put it into the sun to dry - then cover it with plastic sheeting. It is almost impossible to get smoke odor out of pillows. Feather and foam retain odors.

Mildew
To remove mildew, wash with soap and water. Rinse well and dry. If mildew remains, use lemon juice and salt or a solution of household chlorine bleach and warm water.

Removing Odors
Sometimes there is residual smoke odor from small fires that is annoying and lingering. Short of a good cleaning of everything in the house, you can place small saucers of household vanilla, wine, vinegar, or activated charcoal around your home to help absorb odor. Remember that the smoke odor is also inside the heating and cooling duct work, therefore, a professional service may be required.

WARNING! DO NOT USE GASOLINE TO CLEAN.

Clothes
To remove smoke odor or soot from clothes that can be bleached, add ½ cup of ammonia to two gallons of water, then rinse in vinegar (use rubber gloves.) Should you have any questions about the cleaning or preparation of clothes, it is wise to contact a cleaning service. Take wool, silk, and rayon garments to the dry cleaners as soon as possible.

Securing Your Valuables
If you must leave your home, try to locate the following items to take with you:

1. Legal documents
2. Identification
3. Medicine
4. Eye glasses or hearing aids
5. Valuables
6. Credit cards
7. Checks & checkbooks
8. Insurance policies
9. Money, cash & other valuables
10. Jewelry
11. Photos & other family mementos; etc. (allow safes to cool down prior to opening.)

Pets
Smoke can damage the lungs of pets in minutes. Sparks will cause painful burns that may stay hidden under your pet's fur. As soon as possible, take your pet to a veterinarian. If your pet is lost in the confusion, call Animal Control 360-xxx-xxxx

Utilities
Often, the fire department must disconnect your utilities as a safety precaution. The utility companies cannot always restore your utilities until repairs are approved and clearance issued by the City Building Inspection Department.

Insurance
If insured, consult your insurance company prior to beginning any cleanup. Insurance companies may hire a specialized cleaning and restoration company to help you restore some of your belongings.

Foods/Medications
All food and medications exposed to heat, smoke or fire should be thrown out.

Counseling Support
After a fire, you may experience feelings of anxiousness, depression, difficulty concentrating, sadness, anger, fatigue, irrational fears and nightmares. These are common responses to a traumatic event and can be overcome with some life style changes and professional help.

It is important to get plenty of exercise during this stressful event in your life. Exercise will increase your stamina and help you reduce stress. It is also important to avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and chocolate. Caffeine and chocolate increase the effects of stress. If you or your family members need support, call the American Red Cross or check the Yellow Pages under counselors. Some employers and health insurance programs provide coverage of this service.

Need Emergency Assistance?
If you are in need of emergency assistance for food, clothing or lodging, contact the American Red Cross.

Relocating After the Fire
If your home is unlivable, and if you cannot find a place to stay, consult with your insurance company to see if you are covered for additional living expenses. The Red Cross may be able to provide temporary shelter until you can arrange to rent a place to stay.

If you moved due to fire, notify the post office, bank, water department, credit card companies, magazines, newspaper, etc., of your new address. Also contact the Social Security Administration if you are receiving benefits.