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Fire Recovery
The After the Fire Program is designed to provide immediate assistance to Rockbridge County residents who have been affected by a fire. Residential fires can cause a tremendous amount of stress. Often, the hardest part is knowing who to contact first. By focusing on the personal needs of those affected the level of stress can be significantly reduced. Through the program, the Rockbridge Department of Emergency Management and the Central Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross are able to facilitate the beginning steps to recovery.
The First 24 Hours
After the fire is out and the fire department has left the scene, you are once again responsible for your home.
Individuals who have experienced a fire may not be able to reoccupy their homes or may choose to stay with family or friends. In this situation, contact your local law enforcement to notify them that the house will be unoccupied.
If you need assistance with obtaining lodging, clothing, or food, are available, please contact the Central Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross, 540-886-9151.
Important Items to Find / Replace
Smoke can damage the lungs of your pets in minutes and sparks from fire may cause painful burns, which can stay hidden in your pet’s fur. Have your animals checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
The First 24 Hours
After the fire is out and the fire department has left the scene, you are once again responsible for your home.
- Contactyour insurance company
- Secure doors, windows, and other areas to prevent unauthorized entry
- Ensure no further damage occurs to the structure
- Be careful when entering your damaged home
- Do not attempt to turn on utilities yourself. The Fire Department will see that utilities are safe to use or have been disconnected
- Food, beverages, and medicines exposed to heat, smoke, soot, and water should not be consumed.
Individuals who have experienced a fire may not be able to reoccupy their homes or may choose to stay with family or friends. In this situation, contact your local law enforcement to notify them that the house will be unoccupied.
If you need assistance with obtaining lodging, clothing, or food, are available, please contact the Central Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross, 540-886-9151.
Important Items to Find / Replace
- Identification such as driver’s license and social security card
- Insurance information and legal documents
- Medications, eye glasses, hearing aids
- Checkbooks, credit cards, cash, and jewelry
- Relocation Information
- Your insurance agent
- The post office
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Your mortgage company
- Your child’s school
- Utilities
- Financial institutions, credit card companies
- Delivery services
Smoke can damage the lungs of your pets in minutes and sparks from fire may cause painful burns, which can stay hidden in your pet’s fur. Have your animals checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.