Returning Home
If you’ve been evacuated, you will understandably be anxious to return home. Only do so when officials have stated it is safe. Follow all directions and don’t take shortcuts.
Re-entering your home
Once you have received official clearance:
- Bring supplies like a flashlight, tools, drinking water, gloves, garbage bags and a first aid kit
- Wear thick gloves and thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet
- Walk around the perimeter of any structure before entering; check for electrical wires, any gas smell or debris that could fall; and photograph damage
- Enter with caution and check that the main power breaker is off
- Only use generators outdoors; do not connect to a household circuit
- Do not use your sewage disposal system unless you know it’s capable of handling waste
- If using propane, gas or heating oil, contact suppliers for inspection and service
Take pictures, keep track of your expenses and the time you spend cleaning up and make sure you keep your receipts
Food and water safety
- Water. Do not drink, prepare food, or wash with tap water until officials say the water source is safe. Use bottled water, or boil or disinfect tap water with tablets (or chlorine bleach for non-drinking needs).
- Refrigerated food. Discard food that is spoiled, as well as food that has been stored in a refrigerator that has lost power, even if the power has been restored. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Frozen food. Discard food that’s thawed. If your freezer has been exposed to fire, or has been without power for more than three days, throw out the contents.
- Canned food. Canned goods should be safe, unless the can has bulged, rusted or is badly dented. Undamaged canned goods should be washed and disinfected if they’ve been exposed to smoke. Food in glass jars exposed to heat should be thrown out as seals may have broken.
Cleaning your home
Your insurance policy may cover house cleaning by a fire restoration specialist. If you are going to clean your residence yourself:
- Wear gloves and goggles, keep children and pets away, and ventilate the area you’re cleaning well
- Smoke odours can last a long time, and you may need to clean everything several times
- Vacuum all surfaces, change heating and air conditioning filters, and have ducts cleaned
- Soot/smoke can be removed from painted walls with trisodium phosphate, but wallpaper may not be salvageable
- Clean dirt off furniture, removing drawers and scrubbing wooden surfaces; let dry thoroughly
- Linoleum flooring may require replacement, but wood and carpet can be vacuumed and washed
- Wash fridges and freezers with baking soda/water, vinegar or ammonia to remove odours
- Locks and hinges should be taken apart, thoroughly cleaned and oiled
- Dispose of hazardous materials (like solvents and garden chemicals) if they show signs of damage. Separate hazardous materials from landfill waste and dispose appropriately
Repairing your home
Before beginning repairs on your home, consider the following:
- Look for a reputable contractor to help with restoration; get recommendations from friends and neighbours or your insurance adjuster
- Verify the work of any roofer or builder, deal with only licensed contractors. Beware of potential scams
- Check with your local authority about submitting plans and getting a building permit, as needed
- Ask for a written estimate and get a copy of the final, signed contract before the job begins
- Pay only by cheque or credit card – not cash; consider a ‘hold back payable post-completion’
- Damage to utilities must be repaired under permit and inspected by the appropriate agency
Starting the insurance claim process
- Call your insurance representative or company. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims service. Be as detailed as possible when providing information.
- List all damaged or destroyed items. If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Take photos of damage incurred and keep damaged items, unless they pose a health hazard.
- Keep all receipts related to clean up and living expenses if you’ve been displaced. Ask your insurance representative about what expenses you may be entitled to and for how long.
- If you do not know the name of your insurer or your insurance representative, contact Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Consumer Information Centre at 1 844 2ask IBC (1 844 227 5422).
Mental health and well-being
Fear and anxiety are natural reactions to stressful events and can stir up past traumas. Help yourself and those you care about:
- Accept offers of help and support. Seek counselling or spiritual guidance.
- Focus on positive memories and the skills you’ve used to get through other difficult times.
- Be aware of how children and youth are reacting. Reassure them and encourage them to express themselves and share how they are feeling.
- Give yourself and your loved ones time and permission to grieve.
- Practice cultural or spiritual customs that bring you comfort
Don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help:
- BC Mental Health Support Line 24 hours a day at 310 6789 (no area code)
- KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line at 1 800 588 8717
Take a closer look
Use these resources to learn more about what to do after a wildfire
