jalna district disaster management information database & disaster ...

Section VIII : NGOs and Voluntary Agencies
• Stay out. Do not, for any reason, go back into a burning house. If someone is missing,
tell the fire fighters.
8.6.1.3 What to do after a fire
• Do not enter a fire-damaged structure unless authorities say it is okay.
• When entering a fire-damaged structure, look for signs of heat or smoke.
• Have an electrician check your household wiring before the current is turned on.
• Beware of structural damage. Roofs and floors may be weakened and need repair.
• Keep records of all clean-up and repair costs.
• Do not throw away any damaged goods until an official inventory has been taken.
• In case of tenancy, contact the landlord.
• Secure personal belongings or move them to another location.
• Discard food and medicines that have been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Do not try to open a safe or strong box. It can hold intense heat for several hours. If the
door is opened before the box has cooled, the entering air combined with the high internal
temperature can cause the contents to burst into flames.
• If the local administration say the structure is unsafe and must be vacated :
♦ Ask local police or CERT volunteers to watch the property
♦ Take jewelry, cash, and financial records and other important documents.
♦ After vacating, notify the new residential address to friends, relatives, police and fire
departments, delivery services, employers, schools and the post office
Jalna District Disaster Response Plan Vol II - 155