DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

No way out - If you can’t find a way out of the room you’re trapped in (dooris hot and too high to jump) then hang a white or light-colored sheet, towelor shirt outside a window to alert firemen.Use stairs - Never take the elevator during a fire … always use stairs!If YOU are on fire - If your clothes ever catch fire, STOP what you’redoing, DROP to the ground, cover your face and ROLL until the fire goesout. Running only makes the fire burn faster!Toxic gas - Plastics in household goods create deadly fumes when burned.AFTER AFIRE:Don’t go in there - Never enter a fire-damaged building until officials sayit’s okay and watch for signs of smoke in case the fire isn’t totally out. Evenif a fire’s out, hydrogen cyanide and other toxic fumes can remain.Utilities - Have an electrician check your household wiring before you turnthe power back on and DO NOT try to reconnect any utilities yourself!Damage - Look for structural damage (roof, walls, floors, etc.) since theymay be weak.Call for help - Local disaster relief service (Red Cross, Salvation Army,etc.) can help provide shelter, food, or personal items that were destroyed.Insurance - Call your insurance agent or representative and…• Keep receipts of all clean-up and repair costs (for bothinsurance and income taxes).• Do not throw away any damaged goods until an officialinventory has been taken by your insurance company.If you rent - Contact your landlord since it is the owner’s responsibility toprevent further loss or damage to the site.Move your stuff - Secure your personal belongings or move them toanother location, if possible.Recovery tips - Review TIPS ON RECOVERING FROM A DISASTER atend of this Section.To learn more about fire safety and fire prevention visit the U.S. FireAdministration’s web site www.usfa.dhs.gov or contact your local firedepartment, emergency official, or your insurance agent / representative.54 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325