Returning to your home following a forest fire

Once the authorities give the go-ahead and your safety is no longer at risk, you will be able to return to your home. It is best to do so during the day, as any damage or hazards will be easier to detect.

Walk around your home to flag any problems or damage (e.g., downed power lines, natural gas odours, major debris, smudges that could spark a fire).

Identify any issues that could point to structural problems (e.g., weakened roof sections, damaged structure, leaning walls, cracks in the ceiling, sagging floors, doors that no longer close). In case of uncertainty, we recommend contacting experts with valid licenses.

Prepare an inventory of all damages, including photos or videos. Notify your municipality, your insurance company and the financial institution where you have your mortgage. Keep all receipts and proofs of purchase, which you can use when you make claims with regard to damaged property.

Should major works be necessary before you can return home, secure the premises by:

• locking the doors;
• barricading the windows;
• covering up all damaged sections.

Opt for specialized companies known for their evaluation, cleaning or disinfection services, or for the quality of their repair services. Keep all of the receipts related to these expenditures.

Check if your water is drinkable (safe to drink). Should the odour or the taste of your water concern you, contact your municipal authorities before consuming it.

Should your water come from an individual well, have it analyzed by an accredited laboratory if you observe sudden changes in its taste, odour or appearance.

Refrain from drinking the water if you suspect it might be contaminated with chemicals. Also, water that has been exposed to a chemical contamination, especially when hydrocarbons are involved, should not be boiled. In such cases, it is recommended that only bottled water be used.

When a building is within the perimeter of a forest fire, non-perishable food items that are hermetically packaged (shrink-wrapped) (e.g., canned goods, cookies, cereal, pasta) can be eaten. However, their containers must be carefully cleaned prior to being opened. Non-perishable food items that are not hermetically packaged (e.g., flour, salt, sugar) may not be consumed. Furthermore, all food that gives off a smoky smell, including animal food or feed, should be thrown away.

When gathering or harvesting fruits and vegetables that grow aboveground (such as strawberries or lettuce), if there is visible dust or soot particles on the items, the following recommendations should be adhered to:

• Visibly inspect the produce when gathering it; throw away any vegetables or fruit that appear altered or which smell like smoke.
• Clean and rinse all of the vegetables and fruit gathered with potable water.
• Wipe or brush the surface of the produce gathered, when necessary.
• Peel the items that have a skin.
• Remove the outer leaves of heads of lettuce. Note that root vegetables, which grow underground, are not likely to be contaminated. It is usually adequate to carefully wash them prior to their consumption.

After a power outage of 6 hours or more, verify the quality of food items before eating them. Go to the page Keeping or throwing away food after a power outage or flood to help you sort the items in your refrigerator and freezer.

Also refrain from taking medication that must be stored in a fresh place (when doing so was impossible). Return them to the pharmacy from which they were purchased.

Certain measures are necessary in order to efficiently clean up your primary residence or second home following significant smoke.

• Ventilate all rooms adequately during a few hours to get rid of odours, by opening the windows and using portable fans to exchange/replace the air.
• Remove all dust and soot with soap and water, making sure to wear gloves.
• Never use a broom or vacuum cleaner, both of which have a tendency to agitate dust and make it rise rather than remove it.
• Thoroughly clean children’s toys and all other items that you use often.
• Wash all clothing that smells like smoke.
• Throw out any items that got wet when the fire was being put out (such as gypsum plasterboard or glass wool) and check all wood to make sure its moisture content is less than 15%. Air out the various zones, making sure to pay attention to areas where mould might form.
• If necessary, clean the ventilation systems and all of their parts. Replace filters when needed and turn the ventilation systems back on.
• Call on the services of a person specialized in cleaning clothing and textiles to have them take care of fabric items (such as couches, mattresses, toys and stuffed animals) which are very soiled or give off a strong odour.

Staying healthy and safe during the clean-up process

Avoid the risk of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning (an odorless and transparent toxic gas that can be fatal):

• Never use carbon monoxide gas indoors or near windows or doors, nor close to combustion appliances (that use natural gas, fuel, propane, etc.) such as pumps or generators. Always make sure that your equipment’s air intakes and outlets are free of all obstructions.
• Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector to control the quality of the ambient air on an ongoing basis, or don a personal detector with an audible warning device while carrying out hazardous activities.
• Should a carbon monoxide alarm go off in the building you are in, exit the premises immediately, call 911 and leave the door ajar once you are outside. You should also do this if you or a loved one present specific symptoms, including:
  • headaches;
  • nausea;
  • fatigue;
  • vomiting;
  • dizziness;
  • weakness.

If in doubt, contact Info-Santé by dialing 811. Should a serious problem or an urgent need manifest itself, call 911 or make your way to the nearest emergency department (ER).

Cleaning up the property

Carefully remove all debris from the ground.

If you notice a wire or cable from a telecommunications service company on the ground, contact the service provider.

Before proceeding to cut down any trees, contact your municipality for details of the regulations in force.

Adhere to the prescribed standards in terms of waste materials.

Experiencing a disaster such as forest fire can cause unusual physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions. Pay attention to your reactions and those of your loved ones:

• anxiety, distress, or frequent crying;
• a lack of interest or energy;
• aggressiveness;
• difficulty in concentrating or confusion;
• increased alcohol or drug consumption.

Psychosocial support is available to you. This service is free of charge and confidential.

Help your children feel safe by taking simple, comforting actions.

To obtain additional information on post-disaster reactions and the assistance available, please consult the Getting better following a disaster page.