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Common Questions:

Q. Why are windows broken or holes cut in the roof?

A. As a fire burns, it moves upward then outward. Breaking the
windows and/or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation)
slows the damaging outward movement, helps remove blinding smoke
that obscures the actual fire, and enables firefighters to fight
the fire more efficiently. The result of this action is less
damage to the structure in the long run.

Q. Why are holes cut in the walls?

A. This is done so that the fire department is absolutely sure
that the fire is completely out, and there is no fire inside the
walls or other hidden places.

After the fire checklist:

1. Contact local disaster relief.
2. Contact your insurance company.
3. After the fire department says it is o.k., re-enter the
structure to take inventory.
4. Try to locate your valuable documents.
5. Save fire loss related receipts.important
6. Notify your mortgage company.
7. Notify the IRS.