www.mawwfire.gov.uk
What to do in the Event of a Fire - After an Emergency
The emergency you have just experienced, whether it was a fire, flood or other disaster may have left you distressed. You now have the task of getting things back to normality. The following information will help you on your way.
Is It Safe Now?
After a fire has been extinguished, you may hear noises probably coming from the areas involved in the fire. This may be the result of certain items cooling down, such as water pipes etc.
After a chimney fire, brickwork and plaster may remain warm for several hours. A metal bucket or large pan part filled with water should be placed within the fireplace or hearth to catch any falling debris from the chimney. Then place a spark resisting fireguard around the fire place. You should not re-light the fire for at least 24 hours.
Electricity/Gas - do not turn the services back on until the premises have been inspected by the relevant Electricity/Gas Engineer.
See also "Helpful Organisations"
If you are worried or in doubt, contact the Fire Service for advice or assistance.
TELEPHONE: CARMARTHEN 0370 6060699 (24 HOURS)
What Shall I Do First?
FIRST STEP
After we leave, the security of the building becomes your responsibility. If you cannot live in the house remove all valuables.
PROPERTY INSURANCE
If you own, the property, contact your Insurance Company or Agent as soon as possible. If you are renting or leasing the property, you must contact the owner or landlord, or his agent.
Your Insurance Agent will know what parts of the damage are insured. In some cases, they may be able to assist by providing names of reputable contractors who can do restoration to certain parts that are not insured.
They may also be able to assist you to secure the building. Don't worry if you can't find your insurance details, your local Insurance firm keeps a duplicate or a record of your policy.
What Documents Do I Need?
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND REPLACEMENTS
Documents can be damaged or destroyed as a result of fire or other disaster. Below is a list of documents that should be located if possible or the action required to obtain a replacement. Locating these documents will speed up the process of recovering from a disaster.
Helpful Organisations
If you are in need, or have experienced a fire or other disaster, assistance may be obtained from a large number of organisations, some of which are listed below:
Will It Happen Again?
Can we help you?
Fire Safety in your home:
No one should underestimate the danger of fire. It is a potential danger we all live with but much can be done to prevent it.
Think about what you could have done to prevent or warn you of the fire.
The devastating experience you have been through, although traumatic and possibly costly, is now a thing of the past. A few minutes of your time taken to implement a number of small fire safety measures will cost you a few pounds and will give you valuable protection and peace of mind.
A smoke alarm will cost about £5.00 and could save your life. For less than £30.00, a domestic fire extinguisher and fire blanket can easily be purchased and will give added protection, particularly in the kitchen. A smoke alarm costs far less and could save your life. [If you are unsure on the type of extinguisher please contact the Brigade]
After you have had your chimney swept, put a note on your calendar to have it swept once a year.
We have many booklets and other publications on fire safety in the home and business premises, which are available, free of charge, from your local fire station, or from Fire Brigade Headquarters.
Maybe you could share your experience with your family and friends. This could help them avoid a fire in their home.
Contact Points
Please contact your Local Area Office as detailed below to make an appointment for a Fire Safety Officer to call to give your home or business a survey and offer advice on fire safety matters.
Care Of Damaged Articles
Currency
Damaged or destroyed currency can be taken to your own Bank. If part of the currency is legible, the Bank will exchange it; if the currency is unrecognisable, i.e. ashes, the remnant will be sent away for scientific examination before reimbursement.
Books and Documents
Books can be dried by placing them on end, separating the pages and placing unmarked dry paper between the pages. Press to avoid crinkling and distorting.
Single sheets can be dried using a hand-held hair dryer. (Take care not to scorch the surface). Afterwards, press flat between the pages of a heavy book.
Rugs
Allow rugs and carpets to dry out thoroughly. Clean by sweeping or vacuuming the rugs as quickly as possible by laying them flat on a dry surface and exposing them to a circulation of warm, dry air. A fan turned on the rug will speed the drying.
Make sure rugs are thoroughly dry; any moisture remaining at the base of the tufts will quickly rot the rug, causing it to fall apart.
Professional carpet cleaning firms can be found in the Yellow Pages.
Clothing and Soot and Smoke Odours
Commercially available bleaches can be used.
Remember: Before treating, always read the CARE LABEL for proper instructions.
Should you have doubts or questions about the cleaning or preparing of clothing for the cleaners, it is wise to contact a cleaning service. Telephone numbers in the Yellow Pages.
Getting Rid of the Smell
This generally is a very complex problem due to the many varied materials on the market today which are manufactured by combining several raw materials such as natural fibres (cotton, linen, silk, wool etc) with man-made fibres (rayon, nylon, polyesters, etc). For best results, contact a specialist cleaning firm. For less severe problems, there are room deodorising products available for public use.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Sometimes, odours are difficult to remove due to the dampness of the insulation which, in turn, absorbs the odours. However, here are some recommendations:
1. Defrost and wash all surfaces with water and dishwashing detergent. Rinse with one tablespoon of baking soda per litre of water and re-rinse with clean water, or
2. Wash with a solution of one cup of vinegar to 4.5 litres (1 gallon), or
3. Wash with a solution of one cup of household ammonia to 4.5 litres (1 gallon) of water.
After one or more of these alternatives have been used, let the appliance air dry.
Dishes
Wash in a very hot soapy solution. Rinse in hot water. Dishwashers are excellent for cleaning dishes due to the high temperature of the water.
NOTE: Most dishes can be soaked in a solution of one tablespoon of ordinary household bleach to 4.5 litres (1 gallon) of lukewarm water for 30 minutes PRIOR TO WASHING.
Pots and Pans
Pots and pans can be sterilised by boiling in water for at least 10 minutes. CAUTION some parts (handles, knobs etc) will not stand the high temperatures involved in boiling. Remove these if possible.
Leathers
Wipe with a damp cloth then with a dry cloth. Stuff handbags or shoes with paper to retain the shape. Leave suitcases open for airing. Steel wool or a suede brush can be used on suede. It is recommended that you contact a leather and suede cleaner for further information. See Yellow Pages "Leather".
Walls
Walls and ceilings may be washed down while still wet. Use a mild soap or detergent. Wash a small area at a time and rinse with clean water immediately. Do not paint until thoroughly dry.
Wallpaper (washable)
1. Heat and ventilate room for several days to dry the plaster as well as the paper. You could also use a humidifier.
2. If mildewed paper is of the washable type, wipe it with a cloth wrung out in thick soap suds; clean with water.
3. Re-paste edges or loosened sections.
4. When washing wallpaper, work quickly so paper does not become soaked. Work from the bottom to the top to prevent streaking.
Hard Floor Coverings
Water under the floor will smell and eventually rot the wood. It is recommended that you contact a floor-covering specialist for information on special flooring.
Mildew
Mildew is a mould growth. If it is allowed to continue, it will weaken or rot fabrics. Mould inhibitors are available from hardware stores.
Ways to remove Mildew
Wash the affected area with detergent and water. Rinse well and dry. If stain remains, use lemon juice and salt or dilute a solution of household chlorine bleach. Test coloured garments before using any treatment. Again a humidifier can be used.
On upholstered articles, mattresses, rugs
1. Remove loose mould from surfaces by brushing with a broom. Do this out of doors to avoid scattering mildew spores in the building.
2. Vacuum surface to draw out more of the mould.
3. Thoroughly dry by using an electric heater or fan to carry away moist air.
4. If mildew remains, sponge lightly with thick detergent suds using only the suds; wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
5. If mould has grown to the inner part of an article, send to a reliable dry cleaner.
Finally, we would welcome any comments you may have about the services provided by Mid and West Wales Fire Service. Please write to the Chief Fire Officer or telephone Brigade Headquarters on 0370 6060699.
Is It Safe Now?
After a fire has been extinguished, you may hear noises probably coming from the areas involved in the fire. This may be the result of certain items cooling down, such as water pipes etc.
After a chimney fire, brickwork and plaster may remain warm for several hours. A metal bucket or large pan part filled with water should be placed within the fireplace or hearth to catch any falling debris from the chimney. Then place a spark resisting fireguard around the fire place. You should not re-light the fire for at least 24 hours.
Electricity/Gas - do not turn the services back on until the premises have been inspected by the relevant Electricity/Gas Engineer.
See also "Helpful Organisations"
If you are worried or in doubt, contact the Fire Service for advice or assistance.
TELEPHONE: CARMARTHEN 0370 6060699 (24 HOURS)
What Shall I Do First?
FIRST STEP
After we leave, the security of the building becomes your responsibility. If you cannot live in the house remove all valuables.
PROPERTY INSURANCE
If you own, the property, contact your Insurance Company or Agent as soon as possible. If you are renting or leasing the property, you must contact the owner or landlord, or his agent.
Your Insurance Agent will know what parts of the damage are insured. In some cases, they may be able to assist by providing names of reputable contractors who can do restoration to certain parts that are not insured.
They may also be able to assist you to secure the building. Don't worry if you can't find your insurance details, your local Insurance firm keeps a duplicate or a record of your policy.
What Documents Do I Need?
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND REPLACEMENTS
Documents can be damaged or destroyed as a result of fire or other disaster. Below is a list of documents that should be located if possible or the action required to obtain a replacement. Locating these documents will speed up the process of recovering from a disaster.
| Documents Needed | Action required for replacement |
| Bank Books/Building Society Books | Contact your Bank or Building Society who will issue statements and a duplicate record book. |
| Credit Cards | Contact the Banks/organisations who issued the card as soon as possible. |
| Divorce Decree | Contact the original Court Offices
where the Decree was made. They will provide details. |
| Driving Licence & Vehicle Records | Contact the following: DVLA, Longview
Road, Morriston. Swansea (01792) 772151 |
| Income Tax Records | Your Local Tax Office holds files on each person's tax returns and records. Contact should be made direct with your District Tax Office. |
| Insurance Policies | Your local Insurance firm or broker keeps a duplicate or a record of your policy. |
| Medical Reports | The originals are usually held at your Doctor's surgery or the local hospital. |
| Passport | Report details to your local Passport
Office - NEWPORT, between 9.00am - 4.30pm, Mon-Fri. |
| Payment Books | The organisations to whom you are paying will have a master register and a copy of your account. |
| Social Security Papers | Contact your local area office of the Benefits Agency. |
| Stocks and Bonds | Your Broker may have details of the Shares you hold and a Solicitor may be required to legally re-construct the Certificate. National Savings - your local Post Office will give you details on how to claim your duplicates. |
| Title Deeds | Contact your Solicitor who will have the Deeds re-constructed. |
| Warranties/Guarantees | The manufacturers hold main registration cards or documents. Contact them and explain the situation. |
| Wills | A new will should be drawn up. Your solicitor will give you advice or contact the Citizen's Advice Bureau. |
Helpful Organisations
If you are in need, or have experienced a fire or other disaster, assistance may be obtained from a large number of organisations, some of which are listed below:
|
Accommodation |
Overnight or short term emergency accommodation may be available from your Local Authority Housing Department. Contact the housing manager for assistance. If it is out of hours, contact the Fire Brigade who may be able to give you an emergency number to contact or ask the relevant Authority to contact you. |
|
Boarding up of Property |
Contact your insurance company in the first instance. |
|
Electricity |
Consult the telephone directory for your area or telephone: MANWEB [01345] 112211 |
|
Fatalities |
Funeral arrangements, care of the deceased and a death certificate can all be organised by a local reputable funeral director. See Yellow Pages. |
|
Gas |
Consult the telephone directory
for your area or telephone: |
|
Health |
If at any time you feel unwell or suffer after effects of smoke inhalation, seek immediate medical advice from your Doctor or report to your nearest hospital, Accident and Emergency Department. [See also under Hospitals]. |
|
Hospitals |
24 hour Accident & Emergency
Departments |
|
Insurance |
Contact your Insurance Company at the earliest opportunity to inform them of the damage. |
|
Local Councils |
Powys [01597] 826000 |
|
Money |
Total or temporary loss. The Benefits
Agency may be able to help. Contact them during office hours. |
|
RSPCA |
[0300] 1234 999 |
|
Telephone |
For BT phones dial 151. |
|
Water |
Consult the telephone directory for your area or telephone: WELSH WATER REGION SEVERN TRENT REGION |
Some Unitary Authorities may be able to supply a limited amount of furniture, contact them for further information. Depending on your individual circumstances the Benefits Agency may be able to assist with a financial grant to replace basic furniture. Claims must be made within 14 days. Telephone numbers as under "Money". |
|
Will It Happen Again?
Can we help you?
Fire Safety in your home:
No one should underestimate the danger of fire. It is a potential danger we all live with but much can be done to prevent it.
Think about what you could have done to prevent or warn you of the fire.
The devastating experience you have been through, although traumatic and possibly costly, is now a thing of the past. A few minutes of your time taken to implement a number of small fire safety measures will cost you a few pounds and will give you valuable protection and peace of mind.
A smoke alarm will cost about £5.00 and could save your life. For less than £30.00, a domestic fire extinguisher and fire blanket can easily be purchased and will give added protection, particularly in the kitchen. A smoke alarm costs far less and could save your life. [If you are unsure on the type of extinguisher please contact the Brigade]
After you have had your chimney swept, put a note on your calendar to have it swept once a year.
We have many booklets and other publications on fire safety in the home and business premises, which are available, free of charge, from your local fire station, or from Fire Brigade Headquarters.
Maybe you could share your experience with your family and friends. This could help them avoid a fire in their home.
Contact Points
Please contact your Local Area Office as detailed below to make an appointment for a Fire Safety Officer to call to give your home or business a survey and offer advice on fire safety matters.
| Fire Safety Command Headquarters, Sway Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6JA Tel: 0370 6060699, Fax 01792 798332 |
Fire Safety Office,
|
| Fire Safety Office, The Fire Station, Camden Road, Brecon, Powys Tel: 0370 6060699, Fax 01982 614470 |
Fire Safety Office,
|
| Fire Safety Office, The Fire Station, Lime Grove Avenue, Carmarthen Tel: 0370 6060699, Fax 01267 231184 |
Fire Safety Office,
|
| Fire Safety Office, Merlin's Hill, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire Tel: 0370 6060699 Fax: 01437 764964 |
Fire Safety Office, The Fire Station, Corporation Avenue, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire Tel: 0370 6060699 Fax: 01554 751535 |
Care Of Damaged Articles
Currency
Damaged or destroyed currency can be taken to your own Bank. If part of the currency is legible, the Bank will exchange it; if the currency is unrecognisable, i.e. ashes, the remnant will be sent away for scientific examination before reimbursement.
Books and Documents
Books can be dried by placing them on end, separating the pages and placing unmarked dry paper between the pages. Press to avoid crinkling and distorting.
Single sheets can be dried using a hand-held hair dryer. (Take care not to scorch the surface). Afterwards, press flat between the pages of a heavy book.
Rugs
Allow rugs and carpets to dry out thoroughly. Clean by sweeping or vacuuming the rugs as quickly as possible by laying them flat on a dry surface and exposing them to a circulation of warm, dry air. A fan turned on the rug will speed the drying.
Make sure rugs are thoroughly dry; any moisture remaining at the base of the tufts will quickly rot the rug, causing it to fall apart.
Professional carpet cleaning firms can be found in the Yellow Pages.
Clothing and Soot and Smoke Odours
Commercially available bleaches can be used.
Remember: Before treating, always read the CARE LABEL for proper instructions.
Should you have doubts or questions about the cleaning or preparing of clothing for the cleaners, it is wise to contact a cleaning service. Telephone numbers in the Yellow Pages.
Getting Rid of the Smell
This generally is a very complex problem due to the many varied materials on the market today which are manufactured by combining several raw materials such as natural fibres (cotton, linen, silk, wool etc) with man-made fibres (rayon, nylon, polyesters, etc). For best results, contact a specialist cleaning firm. For less severe problems, there are room deodorising products available for public use.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Sometimes, odours are difficult to remove due to the dampness of the insulation which, in turn, absorbs the odours. However, here are some recommendations:
1. Defrost and wash all surfaces with water and dishwashing detergent. Rinse with one tablespoon of baking soda per litre of water and re-rinse with clean water, or
2. Wash with a solution of one cup of vinegar to 4.5 litres (1 gallon), or
3. Wash with a solution of one cup of household ammonia to 4.5 litres (1 gallon) of water.
After one or more of these alternatives have been used, let the appliance air dry.
Dishes
Wash in a very hot soapy solution. Rinse in hot water. Dishwashers are excellent for cleaning dishes due to the high temperature of the water.
NOTE: Most dishes can be soaked in a solution of one tablespoon of ordinary household bleach to 4.5 litres (1 gallon) of lukewarm water for 30 minutes PRIOR TO WASHING.
Pots and Pans
Pots and pans can be sterilised by boiling in water for at least 10 minutes. CAUTION some parts (handles, knobs etc) will not stand the high temperatures involved in boiling. Remove these if possible.
Leathers
Wipe with a damp cloth then with a dry cloth. Stuff handbags or shoes with paper to retain the shape. Leave suitcases open for airing. Steel wool or a suede brush can be used on suede. It is recommended that you contact a leather and suede cleaner for further information. See Yellow Pages "Leather".
Walls
Walls and ceilings may be washed down while still wet. Use a mild soap or detergent. Wash a small area at a time and rinse with clean water immediately. Do not paint until thoroughly dry.
Wallpaper (washable)
1. Heat and ventilate room for several days to dry the plaster as well as the paper. You could also use a humidifier.
2. If mildewed paper is of the washable type, wipe it with a cloth wrung out in thick soap suds; clean with water.
3. Re-paste edges or loosened sections.
4. When washing wallpaper, work quickly so paper does not become soaked. Work from the bottom to the top to prevent streaking.
Hard Floor Coverings
Water under the floor will smell and eventually rot the wood. It is recommended that you contact a floor-covering specialist for information on special flooring.
Mildew
Mildew is a mould growth. If it is allowed to continue, it will weaken or rot fabrics. Mould inhibitors are available from hardware stores.
Ways to remove Mildew
Wash the affected area with detergent and water. Rinse well and dry. If stain remains, use lemon juice and salt or dilute a solution of household chlorine bleach. Test coloured garments before using any treatment. Again a humidifier can be used.
On upholstered articles, mattresses, rugs
1. Remove loose mould from surfaces by brushing with a broom. Do this out of doors to avoid scattering mildew spores in the building.
2. Vacuum surface to draw out more of the mould.
3. Thoroughly dry by using an electric heater or fan to carry away moist air.
4. If mildew remains, sponge lightly with thick detergent suds using only the suds; wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
5. If mould has grown to the inner part of an article, send to a reliable dry cleaner.
Finally, we would welcome any comments you may have about the services provided by Mid and West Wales Fire Service. Please write to the Chief Fire Officer or telephone Brigade Headquarters on 0370 6060699.
© Gwasanaeth Tân Ac Achub Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru | © Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service