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AFTER THE FIRE What now? Important steps for your safe and speedy recovery Common Questions Q. Why are windows broken or holes cut in the roof? A. As a fire burns, it moves upward then outward. Breaking the windows and/ or cutting holes in the roof (called ventila- tion) slows the damaging outward move- ment, helps remove blinding smoke that obscures the actual fire, and enables fire- fighters to fight the fire more efficiently. The result of this action is less damage to the structure in the long run. Q. Why are holes cut in walls? A. This is done so that the fire depart- ment is absolutely sure that the fire is completely out, and that there is no fire inside the walls or other hidden places. Q. Is it possible to get a copy of the fire report? A. In most localities, a fire report is a pub- lic document and is available at the fire department or Fire Marshal’s office. Save lives, protect property, ease pain and suffering. A WORD ABOUT FIRE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS Phone: [PHONE REDACTED] Fax: [PHONE REDACTED] E-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] 625 E. Pine Missoula, MT 59808 www.ci.missoula.mt.us/fire Missoula Fire Department Missoula Fire Department ---PAGE BREAK--- THE FIRST 24 HOURS Your primary focus immediately following a fire should be to take care of your family and yourself. Keep your family together. Seek medi- cal attention for anyone with injuries. If your property has been deemed unlivable by members of the Fire Department or Health Department, arrange for temporary shelter, food and clothing. Volunteer organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Sal- vation Army and church groups can offer a variety of services and assis- tance. Don’t forget any medications, eyeglasses or other essential items, that were not effected by the fire. Pets also suffer the ravages of fire, handle them carefully and calmly. Try to leave them with a family member, friend, veterinarian or boarding facility. Picking up the pieces Contact your insurance agent/ company as soon as possible. If you are unable to reach them, most policies require you to have your home secured against vandalism and looting, and allow advanced funds for your family to find lodging. Keep all receipts, in order to be reimbursed by your insurance company. If possible, do not disturb or remove any items before the insurance adjuster arrives. If you are a tenant, contact the resident manager, the owner or the owner’s insurance agent. See that your personal belongings are secure either within the building or by moving them to another location. Contact your own insurance agent to report the loss. The owner’s insurance, in most cases, will not cover the loss of your personal belongings. If you are not insured, contact your lawyer or the IRS for directions. THE ROAD TO RECOVERY Normally, the fire department will see that utilities (water, elec- tricity and gas) are 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 dam- aged and subject to collapse. There are companies that spe- cialize in the restoration of fire damaged structures. Whether you or your insurer employs this type of service, be clear of who will pay. Be sure to request an estimate of cost for the work. Before any company is hired check their references. These companies provide a range of ser- vices that may include some or all of the following: securing the site against further damage; estimating structural damage; repairing struc- tural damage; estimating the cost to repair or renew items of personal property; packing, transportation, and storage of household items; se- curing appropriate cleaning or repair subcontractors; storing repaired items until needed. Recovering from a fire can be a physically and men- tally draining process. When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned up- side down. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact.