Helpful Tips After the Fire Department Leaves
This information is provided to help after a fire or water damage. Keep in mind that even though the flames are out or the leak is fixed, the damage continues to spread.
Moisture, combined with smoke residue, creates acids which can continue to damage surfaces that are contaminated. Quick action can effectively minimize damages. However, you must remember that proper techniques should be followed to avoid causing additional damage. Some of these techniques are discussed in this blog post.
The fire department may have broken windows, doors, or walls or made holes in the roof. Many wonder why this additional damage was done to their home. Fires can produce temperatures well over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, along with smoke and hot gases. At times, it is necessary to eliminate heat, smoke and hot gasses before fire fighters can enter to extinguish the fire. Ventilation must be done quickly to help reduce damage. Often, walls must be forcibly opened to find the “hidden” fires. After the fire is out, some damage may appear unnecessary. However, without the use of these firefighting techniques, the structure could suffer total destruction by fire.
PROPERTY PROTECTION
First Step:
After the Fire Department personnel leave, the structure becomes your responsibility. Remove all valuables if you cannot live in the house. You are responsible for securing doors and windows and other areas against unauthorized entry. Some professional disaster restoration companies will secure the doors and windows and other areas for you, but do not leave the structure until they arrive.
Property Insurance:
If you own or are purchasing the property, contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. If you are renting or leasing the property, you should contact the owner or management company A.S.A.P. Your insurance adjuster will know what parts of the damage are insured. If you need help, a professional restoration company can be of great assistance. Normal insurance policies mandate protection of property, both personal and real, from further damage. Do not neglect taking care of your property or the insurance company may deny a portion of your claim.
If You Cannot Live in the House:
Those individuals in need, who have experienced a disaster, may obtain assistance from the local American Red Cross. Upon application to the Red Cross, you can obtain food, clothing, lodging and other services. Consult the reference directory for the office nearest your location.
Reminders: If You Have Moved
Notify your utility companies
Notify the Social Security Administration
Notify credit card companies
Notify the Post Office, banks, magazines and newspapers
Construction:
If the building is structurally damaged to the point that it is not habitable, a Building Inspector must be called. After the building inspection is completed, a permit must be obtained prior to making repairs. Contact your local City or County Building Inspectors Office. You can call directory assistance is located in the Reference Directory inside this brochure.
Utilities Information:
Often the Fire Department will have the utility services shut off or disconnected as a safety precaution and also to prevent further damage to the structure and its contents. The procedures for re-establishing utility services are as follows:
Electricity - An Electrical Contractor should check the wiring to be sure it is safe before the power can be turned on. You may need a permit and have an inspection before the power company can reconnect your service. Remember, do not operate wet or damp appliances. CAUTION: Electricity and water do not mix.
Water - This utility may be turned back on by the resident. Use caution because the fire may have damaged the plumbing, which may cause water damage when normal pressure returns to the system.
Gas - DO NOT turn the gas back on. A Gas Company serviceman is available 24 hours a day to turn on the gas and re-light appliances for you. Call your gas company for service.
Telephone - Contact the Telephone Company Business Office.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Documents are very important to you well being and can be damaged or destroyed as a result of fire or water damage. For this reason, we are providing a list of documents that should be located if possible. Locating these documents will speed up the process of recovering from a disaster. Keep in mind that documents can be restored even after a severe smoke or water damage.
1. Birth Certificates
2. Drivers License
3. Bank Books
4. Insurance Policies
5. Military Discharge
6. Passports
7. Social Security Cards
8. Marriage Papers
9. Divorce Decree
10. Credit Cards
11. Title to Deeds
12. Stocks and Bonds
13. DSHS I.D. Card
14. Wills
15. Medical Records
16. Payment Books
17. Warranties
18. Income Tax Records
19. Automobile Registration
20. Automobile Titles
21. Citizenship Papers
22. Burial Contracts
23. Registration Papers for Animals
24. Death Certificates
25. Senior Citizen I.D. Card
MONEY
To reclaim paper money and coins – Check with any local commercial bank or contact:
Paper Money
Currency Redemption Division
Treasury Department
Washington D.C. 20220
202-622-000
Coins
Superintendent,
U.S. Assay Office
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
U.S. Savings Bonds
U.S. Treasury Dept.
Bureau of Public Debt Divisions of Loans and Currency
537 S. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60600
Attn: Bond Consultant
(Include the name and address on bonds, appropriate date or time period when purchased, denominations and appropriate number of each.)
TAX TIPS
Property and Income Tax Adjustments
Property which is extensively damaged may qualify for re-evaluation and a reduction in the property tax assessment. Information and applications are available from the local tax office. Applications must be made within 75 days after the date of destruction or within the year in which the destruction occurs. Ask for Taxpayer’s Claim for Reduction of Assessments on DESTROYED PROPERTY. Fill it out and return the form to the Assessors Office. Uninsured loss of property, both real and personal, may entitle you to deductions on your income tax. Information is available from the area office of Internal Revenue Service. Call toll free 1-800-829-1040
REFERENCE DIRECTORY
American Red Cross – Lane County 541-344-5244
Salvation Army – Lane County 541-747-6229
Social Security Administration – 1-800-772-1213
Directory Assistance – 1-800-FREE411 or 1-800-CALL-DEX
This information is provided to help after a fire or water damage. Keep in mind that even though the flames are out or the leak is fixed, the damage continues to spread.
Moisture, combined with smoke residue, creates acids which can continue to damage surfaces that are contaminated. Quick action can effectively minimize damages. However, you must remember that proper techniques should be followed to avoid causing additional damage. Some of these techniques are discussed in this blog post.
The fire department may have broken windows, doors, or walls or made holes in the roof. Many wonder why this additional damage was done to their home. Fires can produce temperatures well over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, along with smoke and hot gases. At times, it is necessary to eliminate heat, smoke and hot gasses before fire fighters can enter to extinguish the fire. Ventilation must be done quickly to help reduce damage. Often, walls must be forcibly opened to find the “hidden” fires. After the fire is out, some damage may appear unnecessary. However, without the use of these firefighting techniques, the structure could suffer total destruction by fire.
PROPERTY PROTECTION
First Step:
After the Fire Department personnel leave, the structure becomes your responsibility. Remove all valuables if you cannot live in the house. You are responsible for securing doors and windows and other areas against unauthorized entry. Some professional disaster restoration companies will secure the doors and windows and other areas for you, but do not leave the structure until they arrive.
Property Insurance:
If you own or are purchasing the property, contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. If you are renting or leasing the property, you should contact the owner or management company A.S.A.P. Your insurance adjuster will know what parts of the damage are insured. If you need help, a professional restoration company can be of great assistance. Normal insurance policies mandate protection of property, both personal and real, from further damage. Do not neglect taking care of your property or the insurance company may deny a portion of your claim.
If You Cannot Live in the House:
Those individuals in need, who have experienced a disaster, may obtain assistance from the local American Red Cross. Upon application to the Red Cross, you can obtain food, clothing, lodging and other services. Consult the reference directory for the office nearest your location.
Reminders: If You Have Moved
Notify your utility companies
Notify the Social Security Administration
Notify credit card companies
Notify the Post Office, banks, magazines and newspapers
Construction:
If the building is structurally damaged to the point that it is not habitable, a Building Inspector must be called. After the building inspection is completed, a permit must be obtained prior to making repairs. Contact your local City or County Building Inspectors Office. You can call directory assistance is located in the Reference Directory inside this brochure.
Utilities Information:
Often the Fire Department will have the utility services shut off or disconnected as a safety precaution and also to prevent further damage to the structure and its contents. The procedures for re-establishing utility services are as follows:
Electricity - An Electrical Contractor should check the wiring to be sure it is safe before the power can be turned on. You may need a permit and have an inspection before the power company can reconnect your service. Remember, do not operate wet or damp appliances. CAUTION: Electricity and water do not mix.
Water - This utility may be turned back on by the resident. Use caution because the fire may have damaged the plumbing, which may cause water damage when normal pressure returns to the system.
Gas - DO NOT turn the gas back on. A Gas Company serviceman is available 24 hours a day to turn on the gas and re-light appliances for you. Call your gas company for service.
Telephone - Contact the Telephone Company Business Office.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Documents are very important to you well being and can be damaged or destroyed as a result of fire or water damage. For this reason, we are providing a list of documents that should be located if possible. Locating these documents will speed up the process of recovering from a disaster. Keep in mind that documents can be restored even after a severe smoke or water damage.
1. Birth Certificates
2. Drivers License
3. Bank Books
4. Insurance Policies
5. Military Discharge
6. Passports
7. Social Security Cards
8. Marriage Papers
9. Divorce Decree
10. Credit Cards
11. Title to Deeds
12. Stocks and Bonds
13. DSHS I.D. Card
14. Wills
15. Medical Records
16. Payment Books
17. Warranties
18. Income Tax Records
19. Automobile Registration
20. Automobile Titles
21. Citizenship Papers
22. Burial Contracts
23. Registration Papers for Animals
24. Death Certificates
25. Senior Citizen I.D. Card
MONEY
To reclaim paper money and coins – Check with any local commercial bank or contact:
Paper Money
Currency Redemption Division
Treasury Department
Washington D.C. 20220
202-622-000
Coins
Superintendent,
U.S. Assay Office
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005
U.S. Savings Bonds
U.S. Treasury Dept.
Bureau of Public Debt Divisions of Loans and Currency
537 S. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60600
Attn: Bond Consultant
(Include the name and address on bonds, appropriate date or time period when purchased, denominations and appropriate number of each.)
TAX TIPS
Property and Income Tax Adjustments
Property which is extensively damaged may qualify for re-evaluation and a reduction in the property tax assessment. Information and applications are available from the local tax office. Applications must be made within 75 days after the date of destruction or within the year in which the destruction occurs. Ask for Taxpayer’s Claim for Reduction of Assessments on DESTROYED PROPERTY. Fill it out and return the form to the Assessors Office. Uninsured loss of property, both real and personal, may entitle you to deductions on your income tax. Information is available from the area office of Internal Revenue Service. Call toll free 1-800-829-1040
REFERENCE DIRECTORY
American Red Cross – Lane County 541-344-5244
Salvation Army – Lane County 541-747-6229
Social Security Administration – 1-800-772-1213
Directory Assistance – 1-800-FREE411 or 1-800-CALL-DEX
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