Returning home after a wildfire has been put out, does not mean there is no longer a risk. Damage to your home or surrounding areas can create issues that you need to be aware of and be on the lookout for. While the Alberta RCMP is doing everything to keep homes safe, here are some things to keep in mind.
Returning Home After A Wildfire Evacuation
- Do not return to your home or business until you have been given the official word by fire officials. Do not rely on feedback from non-official social media chat groups. Only return when you know that it is safe to do so.
- Have some basics supplies with you when you return home: gloves, goggles, bottled water, flashlight, garbage bags and first aid kit.
- Keep an eye out for "hot spots" around your home or property. Look for sparks or smoke that may come from your property or roof. Embers can still be carried in the wind, and still have the possibility of catching fire. Also, be aware that there could be ash pits that are still very hot and could burn you, pets or livestock very easily.
- If you attempt to turn on the power in your home and are unable to gain power, reach out to your local utility company.
- Once you have returned to your home, make sure that you do not smell gas within the house. Turn off the power in your home until you have done a full inspection of your home and made sure it is safe. If you do smell gas, vacate your house and call your utility company.
- Do not drink water from your home faucets until officials have let you know that it is safe. If you have a well on your property and it was damaged during the wildfire, make sure it is inspected and repaired before using it.
- Due to damaged areas caused by the wildfire, it is very possible for flooding to occur if heavy rainfalls happen after the fires have ended. Try to avoid natural drainage areas like rivers and creeks, as sudden rainfall can cause sudden flows of water and debris.
- Be watchful for down trees, power poles and any other tall structure that may have become unstable during the fires. Report any power poles that you see that have fallen and do not attempt to remove them or touch any power lines.
- Dispose of any food that was exposed to heat, smoke, or ash. If power was out during your evacuation and food in your freezer has defrosted-throw it away. It is better to be safe than sorry, when it comes to food that has not be properly refrigerated.
Property Damage After a Wildfire
If you come home and find that there has been damage done to your residence, here are a few things you will need to do.
- Take pictures of any damage that has been done inside and outside your home. Try to ensure that the pictures are as clear and detailed as possible. These pictures can then be shared with your insurance company, so they can assess the damage for your claim.
- Contact your home insurance broker. A broker can help to communicate with your insurance company and get the repairs started on your home quicker than if you try to handle that on your own. Have all the details about the damage ready to go before contacting your broker, simply in an effort to expediate the process.
- Save any receipts that you may have acquired while you were evacuated from your home. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of out-of-pocket expenses due to a government ordered evacuation notice. This can include things like hotel stays, food, and transportation.
- If you notice anything has been lost or stolen, you should report it using the RCMP online crime reporting tool. It's safe, easy and quick to use: https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/alberta/en