After The Fire



If you suffer a fire or natural disaster at your home, you will find that it can be a physically and mentally draining process to begin putting the piece of your residence back together. No matter the extent of the damage, the stress can be difficult to deal with. Please take a look at this list to help yourself (or an affected family member or neighbor) to begin the rebuilding process.

Immediately After The Fire/Disaster:

  •  You will have basic needs of clothing and personal hygiene materials.
  • Consult with the fire department to determine if it is safe to enter the structure to remove vital personal identification, car keys, insurance contact information. If it is not safe for you to enter, the Fire Department may be able to send someone in to retrieve some salvageable belongings.

 

 First 24 Hours

 

  • Contact a local disaster relief service. American Red Cross, Salvation, Army, and United Way programs can help you with immediate needs following a fire/disaster event.
  • Contact your insurance agent
  • Notify your mortgage lender or landlord
  • Notify family, friends, and employers of your temporary location
  • Notify your child’s school.
  • Notify the US Post Office to hold or redirect your mail to your temporary location
  • Arrange to have your home phone forwarded to your wireless phone

 

Caution /Danger

 

  • Do not enter the site of a fire/disaster until it is safe to do so. If you aren’t sure, don’t enter. A damaged structure could collapse while you try to retrieve belongings or clean the mess. Consult with your Fire Department to ask if it is safe to enter. Talk to your insurance agent to request a safety inspection before re-entry.
  • Do not turn on utilities to the structure yourself (Gas/Propane/Electric). A request by the Fire Department may have had the electric and gas utilities disconnected. Contact your utility company for consultation. They will determine if it is safe to restore utility services.
  • Never consume any food or beverages that were exposed to heat or smoke. Toxins from fire/chemical debris, damaging heat, and loss of refrigeration can be very harmful. All food and beverages should be disposed of out of caution.

 

Contact Numbers

 

  • American Red Cross   501-614-1021
  • United Way   501-376-4567   
  • Salvation Army   501-758-7297                      
  • Central Arkansas Water   501-372-5161    After Hours Call 501-377-1239
  • Salem Water  501-847-0562
  • Paron Water  501-594-5000
  • Entergy  1-800-368-3749 (1-800-ENTERGY).  
  • First Electric Coop  1-800-489-7405
  • Reliant Energy (Arkla) 1-800-992-7552