According to the US Fire Administration website, the first 24-hours after a house fire should be focused on securing safety and the site itself. Contact a local disaster relief service such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. These community outreach services will be able to assist with such necessities:
- Temporary housing
- Food
- Prescriptions
- Clothing
The USFA urges that no re-entry be made into the damaged property and maintain safety. “Fires can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains,” the site states. Upon contacting the local police and fire departments, begin the process of contacting a pre-determined insurance agent. Other organizations and people that should be notified of relocation include, but are not limited to the following entities:
- Mortgage company
- Employer
- Post Office
- Utility companies
Community Organizations Collaborate
According to the Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross, it responded to to 245 local house fires and disasters last year. To further assist its community members as they rebuild their lives, the Red Cross will collaborate with Goodwill Industries.
“Stuff the Truck” is Wednesday, August 26, and will call on its Omaha-metro chapters and blood services employees to collect material donations for Goodwill.
The Red Cross will receive Goodwill store vouchers for disaster victims to shop Goodwill’s ten retail store locations for needed items.
“In the current contracted economy, forward-thinking nonprofits seek ways to multiply the generosity of their donors by finding new ways to collaborate,” Tina Labellarte Price, CEO of the Heartland Chapter, said in a press release. “This innovated effort between our two organizations is a fine example of this effective strategy.”
Both organizations agree this partnership will better serve the Omaha community.
“Red Cross supporters now have the opportunity to donate to Goodwill, which will help our employment services,” Frank McGree, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries, said in a press release.
Other Fire Safety and Disaster Recovery Resources
In addition to the USFA site, resources to prepare and safeguard fire and disasters, can be found at the local and national levels:
FireSafety.gov: This site includes children’s coloring sheets that guide through fire safety
Omaha Public Schools: OPS’ Evacuation Drill In The Home (EDITH) is part of its fire prevention awareness program.
Salvation Army: Several local chapters, like Bloomington, Indiana, utilize social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to post informative safety tips.
Local public libraries, as well as insurance agents also have free pamphlets and valuable resources to assist with disaster-related questions and preparedness. Many city governments have "fire safety" checklist forms available on-line for download.
Melissa Kucirek - Melissa L. Kucirek M.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2004) B.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2001) I'm a freelance writer ...
