If You Have A Fire

What to do if you’ve had a fire

Do you have to leave your property?

• Close all doors and windows if it is safe to do so.
  • If windows and doors need boarding up, look under Fire and Flood or Glaziers in the Yellow Pages. If you are insured the insurance company will normally pay for this.
  • If you are a tenant, contact your housing provider or landlord who will arrange boarding-up for you.
  • Remove valuables and important documents if it is safe for you to do so.
  • We may have used large sheets to protect your property. These are the property of the fire service and must be returned within 48hrs. You can do this by calling us on 01772 862545 I Minicom 01772 862328.
  • Contact your local Police to let them know your property will be empty by calling 08451 25 35 45.

  Gas, Electric, Fuel Oil and Water Supplies

  Do not reconnect or turn on any of these supplies. Contact your suppliers to get any of the supplies reconnected. Normally they will only reconnect if a qualified person has sorted out the problem.

  Insurance

  If you are insured you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

  They will give you advice and may have a list of companies they deal with to help you. Most insurance companies will be able to give you an emergency payment to cover items for everyday living such as clothing. This will be taken off the final settlement.

  Make sure you keep in contact with your insurance company regularly to make sure

  the work carried out is covered by your policy.

  Accommodation

  If you can’t live in your house or flat and you can’t stay with friends or relatives

  you can:

  • Contact the housing department of your local authority who may be able to help.
  • Contact your insurance company who may cover the cost of bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation.
  • If you are going to be out of your property for some time you may want to find rented accommodation. Local housing agencies will have a list of accommodation. Your insurance company may help; they have the right to agree rent first.

  Pets

  Accommodation for animals can be arranged through your local telephone directory under “Boarding Kennels”. Your insurance company will usually cover the cost of boarding, but check first.

  Your safety after a fire

  Do you feel unwell?

  If you have breathed in fumes or smoke, or feel unwell anytime after a fire you can contact either the:

  • NHS Direct – Tel 0845 4647
  • Your doctor
  • Hospital A & E

  Having a fire in your home can be distressing, if you are having problems coming to terms with your fire and finding it hard to cope, this is normal, and help is at hand from your doctor.

  Air in the home

  Fires produce gases, chemicals and particles in the air. These can make you ill if you breathe them in and can be in the air for hours or even days after a fire.

  • Protect yourself by wearing clothing that covers your skin, gloves and a good quality dust mask that covers your mouth and nose (you can get these from DIY shops, ask for advice).
  • If you have breathing problems, asthma or allergies don’t go into the property until you know the air is clear.
  • Fire and flood companies have special equipment that can clear the air. If you are insured their charges are normally covered.

  Avoid contact with residue from fires

  Residue from fires may contain harmful chemicals

  • You should not touch the residue with bare skin.
  • If you have to handle items with residue on, wear gloves, clothing that covers your skin and a mask that covers your mouth and nose.

  Safety with electrical supplies, temporary lighting and heating

  Remember water conducts electricity and you can be electrocuted.

  • Damaged or wet electrical appliances must be isolated or unplugged.
  • Don’t use electrical items until a competent person checks them.
  • TV sets store an electrical charge for several hours, so keep away from water.
  • Generators should be positioned outside as they give off fumes that can kill.

  Safety with food

  Do not use food contaminated by heat or smoke.

  If in doubt throw it out.

  Building repair work

  Once work has started on your property you may not be able to go in to your property for health and safety reasons. The builder’s insurance will not cover you.

  Property fires

  • Building materials cool down at different rates, because of this noises can be heard coming from the area involved.
  • Due to the expansion and contraction of different areas of the building, parts of it may become dislodged and fall. If you enter make sure you protect yourself with a hard hat.
  • Often walls may be opened up to ensure that no hidden fires are still burning.

  The damage may appear serious but firefighters must make sure there is no further risk of fire.

  Chimney fires

  • Chimney brick work and plaster may stay warm for several hours after a fire.
  • Some noise may be heard as it is cooling down.
  • Place a metal bucket or large metal pan half filled with water within the fireplace or hearth to catch and cool any debris falling from the chimney.
  • Place a fireguard in front of the fire.
  • Allow the chimney to cool down for 24 hours before using again.
  • Have the chimney swept before use and then on a regular basis thereafter.

  National Association of Chimney Sweeps www.chimneyworks.co.uk/fire

  Cleaning up after a fire

  It is natural for you to want to clean your property and contents but be careful because taking the wrong action can cause more damage.

  • Make sure you don’t delay as cleaning will become harder the longer you leave it.
  • Specialist local firms can help you. Don’t forget to contact your insurance company or landlord/council first before arranging for a company to clean up.
  • Remember always act to protect your own safety.

  Do:

  • Open doors and windows to clear the air in your home (but don’t leave windows or doors open when you are not there).
  • Rinse leather and suede items in cold water and leave to dry naturally.
  • Lightly remove soot from fabrics and surfaces using a vacuum cleaner with a high quality filter- use an open pipe and not a brush.
  • Carefully clean fixtures, fittings, towel rails and chrome trim with a light coating of petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) or other oil.
  • Locks should be taken apart (especially iron), wiped with paraffin and oiled. If unable to do this, squirt machine oil through opening and move the handle to spread the oil.
  • Thoroughly clean and oil hinges on doors and windows.
  • Keep your freezer closed if your electricity will be back on within 24hrs. Make sure the freezer is not affected by water, heat or smoke.
  • Spray plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener helps).
  • Pour undiluted antifreeze into toilet bowls, sinks and baths to prevent freezing if the heating is off in winter.
  • Call a plumber to drain the heating system if it is unable to be used in winter.
  • Remove pets, including fish to a clean place.
  • Use dehumidifiers to remove water from the atmosphere, you can hire these from tool hire companies.

  Don’t:

  • Wipe or attempt to wash absorbent surfaces on walls or ceilings as the dirt will soak into the surface.
  • Use contaminated upholstered furniture.
  • Use food or canned goods that have been affected by heat or smoke and do not refreeze thawed food. To avoid getting ill, if in doubt throw it out.
  • Use affected TV’s, Hi Fi’s or any other electrical appliances until cleaned and checked by a qualified person.
  • Send smoke-damaged garments to ordinary dry cleaners as the wrong cleaning method may make smoke and odour impossible to remove.
  • Use LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) heaters to dry out as they create water vapour.

  Preventing fire happening again

  Think of fire safety in your home

  The experience you have been through may have been very traumatic and possibly costly. A few minutes of your time taken to implement a number of simple fire safety measures will give you valuable protection and peace of mind.

  You will be given a booklet called “Fire Safety in the Home”. Taking time to read through the booklet and put into practice the advice given could prevent this happening again. For more information see the fire safety section of this website

  A representative from the Fire and Rescue Service is available to come and see you and your family to discuss fire safety.

  Call our Freephone number 0800 169 11 25 or go to our home fire safety check page  for fire safety advice and free smoke alarms fitted where needed: 0800 1691125