After the Fire

To help get started, ask these questions:

No? Try contacting private organizations for aid and assistance.

Is your residence safe to enter?

Check with the Fire Department 250-753-7311

Have your utilities been disconnected?

• The Fire Department will deem the utilities safe to use or have them disconnected before they leave the site
• Do not attempt to reconnect utilities yourself
• Contact the utility companies to re-connect

Have you done an inventory?

Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made.

Have you located important documents?

Locate valuable documents and records (for example, driver's license, passport, etc.). Your insurance company may need you to save receipts for items related to your fire loss.

Have you notified your mortgage company?

Notify your mortgage company of the fire.

Children and fire

Children cope better with a traumatic event if they are supported through it. Watch for changes in behaviour:

• From being quiet/obedient/caring to loud/aggressive or from outgoing to shy/afraid
• Fear to sleep alone, with lights off or have nightmares
• Upset easily, cry and whine
• Fear when parents are out of sight

Here are some things you can do:

• Talk to them about how they are feeling and listen without judgment
• Allow them to have their feelings and teach them to use words that express their feelings
• Reassure them that you are there to take care of them
• Encourage them to draw pictures of how they feel
• Music may help relieve stress and tension
• Consult a professional mental health service if necessary