Fire Department Activities
Ventilation
Even
a small fire can rapidly fill a house with heat, smoke and toxic gases.
These products can endanger trapped occupants, cause damage in areas not
affected by the fire, and hamper fire fighting operations.
Fire fighters will frequently remove the heat and smoke by opening
windows, using large fans, and sometimes removing skylights or cutting holes in
the roof. The activities will allow
for prompt control of the fire and minimize the damage to your home and
possessions.
Locating
Hidden Fires
Firefighters
will often remove a section of sheetrock on the interior walls to inspect fire
spread inside the walls.
If this is not done, a small fire can go undetected and result in a
second fire that is more damaging than the initial fire.
Unfortunately, in order to properly extinguish a fire, fire fighters may
do some damage.
Be assured that many precautions are taken to protect your property and
limit damage.
The fire company is always available to answer any questions you may have
about your fire.
Salvage
When
at all possible, the firefighters will cover or remove your furniture and other
valuables to prevent further damage by smoke and / or water.
Before
leaving the scene, the fire company will protect your home as much as possible.
The fire company however, does not insure that a structure is safe for
habitation prior to leaving.
Investigation
Every
fire in Readington Township is investigated by the County Fire Marshall's office
and or the Township Fire Inspector. The
primary purpose of an investigation is to determine the cause of the fire and
prevent a similar fire in the future. Your
assistance is a very important part of the origin and cause determination.
To
obtain copies of our local fire investigation report contact:
Readington
Township Fire Official.
908/534-2164.
Hunterdon County Fire Marshall Office.
908/638-5622
Whitehouse
Fire Company, 908/534-2552
Homeowner
Activities
Smoke Detectors
After
the fire, it is very important to assure that your smoke detector is still in
working order.
If your unit is not working properly the fire company will loan you one.
Ask the fire officer about the smoke detector loan program.
Insurance
Your
insurance agent should be contacted as soon as possible.
The agent can assist with advice about securing your home and beginning
the restoration process. The agent
can also inform you of the expenses your insurance will and will not cover
before you begin work.
The insurance company will require an itemized list of all contents and
personnel belongings. You should
start this list as soon as possible. Do
not throw anything away until you have been advised by your insurance company.
Any
losses not covered by insurance could qualify for a tax deduction.
Contact the Internal Revenue Service for information.
Cleanup
Whether
your property is insured or not, consider engaging the services of a reputable
commercial firm that specializes in after fire cleanup.
Do it yourself cleaning techniques my increase damage or at best, be only
partly successful.
Contractors
and service firms that specialize in the treatment, repair and restoration of
fire, smoke and related damage are likely to be listed in the yellow pages of
the telephone book under the heading "Fire and Water Damage
Restoration". Choose a
contractor licensed by the state, are insured, can provide customer references
and have good credit ratings. Select a contractor who gives a complete written description
of the work done.
Take Measures to Prevent Additional Damage
If
your loss is so severe that you must make arrangements to live elsewhere, secure
your property before leaving. If
doors and windows are intact, properly close and lock them to prevent
unauthorized entry into the property. Door
and windows that have been burned out should be boarded up.
In
cold weather, is heat cannot be restored to the structure immediately, drain
waterlines and water heaters. Put
antifreeze in all of the sinks, toilet bowl and tub traps. Be
sure to let all water out of the tank in the toilet.
Restoring Utilities
Utilities,
whether electric, gas or oil, should only be restored by a qualified person.
The electric services cannot be resumed until an electrical inspection is
approved by the Building Inspectors office.
Heating
equipment involved in a fire should be inspected and services.
Contractors are listed in the yellow pages under "Heating
Contractors".
Chimney Fires
If
there has been a fire in your chimney, you should not use the fireplace or wood
stove until the chimney has been cleaned and inspected by a qualified person.
Contractors can be found in the yellow pages.
Documents and Records
Copies
of deeds, marriage and birth certificates, etc. can be obtained from the County
Clerks office.
Please look in the blue pages of the phone book for phone numbers.
Food
If
you are without power, make arrangements to move frozen foods as soon as
possible. Many freezers will stay
cold enough to keep food for 24 hours. Once
the food is out, rinse out the freezer and prop open the door to assure
ventilation and prevent mildew and offensive odors. Refrigerators should be emptied, cleaned and propped open as
well.
Wash
the outside of food cans and jars with detergent and water.
If labels come off, mark them with a grease pencil.
Do not use bulged, dented or rusted cans as they may contain food
poisoning.
For
more information on Fire Prevention and fire reports please contact.
Chief
Whitehouse Fire Company No., 1, Inc.
PO Box 215
Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
Phone:
(908) 534-2552
Fax: (908) 534-2931
Local Help and Assistance
You
can find additional resources from your local chapters of
The
American Red Cross and the
The Salvation Army
If
you live in the Hunterdon/Somerset Area contact
The Lords Closet located in Whitehouse Station, NJ
for essential items that have been donated by local residents and/or businesses
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Whitehouse Fire Company
# 1, Inc.
