disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

No way out - If you can’t find a way out of the room you’re trapped in (door
is hot and too high to jump) then hang a white or light-colored sheet, towel
or 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’re
doing, DROP to the ground, cover your face and ROLL until the fire goes
out. Running only makes the fire burn faster!
Toxic gas - Plastics in household goods create deadly fumes when burned.
AFTER A FIRE:
Don’t go in there - Never enter a fire-damaged building until officials say
it’s okay and watch for signs of smoke in case the fire isn’t totally out. Even
if a fire’s out, hydrogen cyanide and other toxic fumes can remain.
Utilities - Have an electrician check your household wiring before you turn
the power back on and DO NOT try to reconnect any utilities yourself!
Damage - Look for structural damage (roof, walls, floors, etc.) since they
may 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 both
insurance and income taxes).
• Do not throw away any damaged goods until an official
inventory has been taken by your insurance company.
If you rent - Contact your landlord since it is the owner’s responsibility to
prevent further loss or damage to the site.
Move your stuff - Secure your personal belongings or move them to
another location, if possible.
Recovery tips - Review TIPS ON RECOVERING FROM A DISASTER at
end of this Section.
To learn more about fire safety and fire prevention visit the U.S. Fire
Administration’s web site www.usfa.dhs.gov or contact your local fire
department, emergency official, or your insurance agent / representative.
54 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325