"After the Fire"

Helpful Information from Whitehouse Fire Company, No. 1, Inc. of Whitehouse Station, NJ

PO Box 215 ; Whitehouse station, NJ 08889
Phone: 908/534-2552   Fax:  908/534-2931

This information has been prepared by the Whitehouse Fire Company to assist the citizens of Readington Township who have had a fire.  This information is designed to help you, the property owner, overcome the confusion, and understand the procedures used by your local volunteer fire department.

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 the 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, if 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

The American red Cross

  The Lords Closet

The Salvation Army

Whitehouse Fire Company, No., 1, inc. was incorporated as a volunteer fire company in 1920.  As volunteers we strive to provide for the protection and safety for our citizens and visitors, by preparing and promoting fire prevention and education, preserving life property and the environment, through fire suppression, rescue and hazardous material mitigation.