By Order of Aurora Fire Rescue
DO NOT ENTER YOUR HOME WITHOUT APPROVAL - IT IS UNSAFE TO OCCUPY OR USE
During the fire investigation, safety measures will be implemented around the affected structure. These include cordoning off the area and posting signs to ensure that only authorized Aurora Fire Rescue personnel are allowed access. These actions are directed by the Aurora Fire Rescue Fire Chief, who is responsible under the law for determining the origin and cause of fires in the city of Aurora. No access beyond the designated areas will be permitted without approval from the Aurora Fire Rescue Incident Commander. If granted access, individuals must be escorted by emergency personnel, who will document any items removed from the cordoned-off area.
Upon completion of the fire investigation by Aurora Fire Rescue, the homeowner will be permitted to reenter the building, provided no structural hazards have been identified by the Aurora Fire Rescue Incident Commander. If structural hazards are discovered, the city of Aurora Building Division will be promptly informed in accordance with Section 114.1 of the Fire Code. The homeowner is required to seek assistance from a structural engineer or insurance adjuster to assess the safety of reentry. Before commencing any structural repairs, homeowners must obtain a building permit from the city of Aurora Building Division.
For further information or inquiries, please contact the city of Aurora Building Division at:
15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 2400
Aurora, CO 80012
303.739.7420 | [email protected]
These measures are essential to ensure the safety and compliance of all parties involved during and after the fire investigation process.
Introduction
Why are there holes in my roof? Why are the windows and doors broken?
Fire produces temperatures of over 1,200 degrees, along with smoke and hot toxic gases. At times, it is necessary to reduce the heat, smoke and hot gases before firefighters can enter a building to put out a fire and rescue any occupants.
Venting the smoke and gases must be done quickly to speed up the rescue effort, as well as to prevent the fire from spreading. Cutting holes in the roof or breaking windows helps with this task.
Often, walls must be forcibly opened to find “hidden” fires. The fire is not out until every “hot spot” is found.
After the fire is out, damage from fighting the fire may appear unnecessary, however, without the use of these firefighting and rescue techniques, lives could be lost and the building could suffer total destruction by fire.
Can I re-enter my home? What if my house is uninhabitable?
Use caution in re-occupying your home. If it has been severely damaged or contaminated, you may need to find other housing. If you are covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy, you may be eligible for temporary housing. Remember, save any receipts for money you spend related to your fire loss. Your insurance company will want copies in order to reimburse you. These receipts will also be useful for verifying losses claimed on your federal income tax.
Individuals who have experienced a fire or other disaster may obtain assistance from the local American Red Cross. Upon application to the Red Cross, you can obtain food, clothing, lodging and other services. Day or night, call 303.722.7474 and ask for Disaster Services. In addition to the Red Cross, there are other community agencies which may be able to help. Your Red Cross disaster caseworker can assist you in contacting appropriate agencies.
Be sure to notify the following:
-
Post Office of your new address
- Bank(s)
- Credit Card Companies
- Aurora Water
- Xcel Energy or other energy companies (gas/electric)
- Social Security Administration (if necessary)
- Children’s schools or childcare
- Aurora Police Department (if your home will be left vacant for any length of time)
Protect Yourself
Use Caution
We know you are anxious to inspect the damage and, if possible, begin to recover your belongings. Please be aware that there may be unseen hazards present.
Damage: The building may have suffered structural damage and be physically unsafe to enter. Gas, electrical or plumbing may not be working.
Toxins: Smoke and sooty deposits may be present. Toxins may include gases produced in the fire, as well as particles such as asbestos fibers used in some building materials in older homes. Exposure to some of these toxins has been shown to increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Airborne Contaminants: Some individuals may be especially sensitive to contaminants or sooty deposits which may be present after a fire. These include babies, small children, older persons, pregnant women and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Pets: Pets often become upset and can react in unusual ways after a traumatic event. After a fire, it is best to leave pets with a family member, friend, veterinarian or boarding facility while you are cleaning up your home to avoid injury and further damage.
Re-Entering Your Home
Construction
If the building is structurally damaged to the extent that it is uninhabitable, homeowners must seek guidance from a structural engineer or an insurance adjuster to assess the safety of returning to their residence. Before initiating any structural repairs, homeowners are required to obtain a building permit through the city of Aurora Building Division for repairing fire damage.
For inquiries or further assistance, please contact the Aurora Building Division at:
15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 2400, Aurora, CO 80012
303.739.7420 | [email protected]
These steps are crucial to ensure the safety and compliance of homeowners following significant structural damage.
Utilities
The fire department may have the utility services shut off or disconnected as a safety precaution and also to prevent further damage to the structure and its contents. The procedures for re-establishing utility service are as follows:
Electricity: Before reconnecting power, ensure that wiring is inspected by an electrical contractor licensed with the City of Aurora Building Division. To verify a contractor’s license within the city, please call 303.739.7420. Additionally, refrain from operating wet or damp appliances; have them checked by a service person first. Remember, electricity and water do not mix! These precautions are essential for your safety and the proper functioning of electrical systems in your home.
Water: Aurora Water service crews are available to restore your service at any time. The emergency number is 303.326.8645. Trash and/or recycling is a responsibility of the individual as the city of Aurora does not pick up trash or recycling. AuroraGov.org has a list of companies who pickup trash/recycling with contact numbers.
Natural Gas: Do not turn the gas back on. An Xcel Energy service person is available 24 hours a day to turn on the gas and re-light appliances for you. Just call 800.995.4999.
Telephone: Contact your telephone company’s business office.
After the Fire
What You Need to Know
After the fire department personnel leave, the building becomes your responsibility. If possible, the fire fighters will secure doors and windows. The final responsibility lies with the owner. Use caution and limit movement in the home to prevent soot and other fire debris from being embedded into upholstery, carpets, curtains and more.
Remove Your Valuables
If it is safe to enter the building, remove all valuables. It is your responsibility to protect against further damage due to weather, theft or vandalism.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Do this as soon as possible. He or she must be notified of the fire and will be able to help you arrange for immediate repairs. If you cannot reach your agent or have no insurance, you may wish to obtain professional assistance for cleaning. Fire and water damage restoration firms are a good place to start.
Contact Your Manager
If you are a tenant, contact the resident manager or the owner. It is the owner’s responsibility to prevent further loss to the building.
Important Documents
Below is a list of documents that should be located, if possible, to speed up the process of recovering from a disaster. NOTE: It is wise to store all important documents in a fireproof safe, container or cabinet.
- Birth Certificate
- Driver’s License
- Bank Books and Documents
- Mortgage Papers
- Insurance Policies
- Military Discharge Papers
- Passports
- Social Security Cards
- Medicare Cards
- Marriage License
- Divorce Decree
- Credit Cards and Account Numbers
- Titles and Deeds (Home and Auto)
- Stocks and Bonds
- Senior Citizen ID Card
- Wills
- Medical Records
- Warranties
- Income Tax Records
- Automobile Registrations
- Citizenship Paperwork
- Burial Contracts
- Pet Licenses/Animal Registrations
- Death Certificates
- DSHS ID Card*
*Public assistance clients should notify the DSHS office in your area if your ID card is damage or destroyed. Check the phone book or go online for the office nearest you.
Documents and Tax Tips
Documents
There are a number of different methods that can be used to dry wet documents: Air Drying, Dehumidifying, Freeze Drying and Vacuum Thermal Drying. Contact a document restoration company immediately for information about the best process in your specific situation.
Property and Income Tax Adjustments
Property which is extensively damaged by fire may qualify for a reevaluation and reduction in your property tax assessment. Information and applications are available from the Assessor’s Office. Aurora has three different counties. The numbers for the prospective counties are as follows:
Arapahoe County - 303.795.4600
Adams County - 303.659.2120
Douglas County - 303.660.7450
Uninsured Property
Uninsured loss of property, both real and personal, may entitle you to deductions in your income tax. Information is available from the local Internal Revenue Service office, 844.545.5640.
Reclaiming Paper Money, Coin and Savings Bonds
Check with any local commercial bank, the regional Federal Reserve Bank, contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing and/or the U.S. Mint.
Paper Money
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Claim Submit
1.866.575.2361
Coins
United States Mint
1.800.USA.MINT (872.6468)
U.S. Savings Bonds
Call 1.844.284.2676 (toll free) or email [email protected] to request a Form FS 1048 to replace destroyed bonds. If you don’t know the serial numbers of the destroyed bonds, you will also need form FS 2490.
Medicine, Cosmetics and Food
Medicines and Cosmetics
Medicines and cosmetics exposed to heat or smoke should be thrown away.
Food
Food that was exposed to heat and smoke should be thrown away. Food that was in the freezer that still has ice crystals on it can be used, if not, discard it. Throw away any home-canned products or cans with bulges or dents. Undamaged commercially canned food may be disinfected before opening by washing with detergent. Rinse in cool, clean water. Disinfect by immersing in a solution of two tablespoons of household bleach per one gallon water. Use a black permanent marker to re-label the can.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Sometimes odors are difficult to remove due to damp insulation which absorbs odor. Here are some cleaning recommendations:
-
Defrost and wash all surfaces with water and dishwasher detergent, rinse with two tablespoons baking soda per quart of water, re-rinse with clear water.
- Alternatively, wash with solution of one cup vinegar to one gallon water or with solution of one cup household ammonia to one gallon water.
Cleaning
To help with clean-up after the fire, it is recommended that you hire a professional, commercial fire restoration company.
Contacts and Resources
Aurora Fire Rescue
Business: 303.326.8999
American Red Cross (Emergency Shelter, Clothing, Food) Disaster Services:
303.722.7474
Aurora Building Division
15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Suite 2400
Aurora, CO 80012
303.739.7420
[email protected]
Aurora Public Utilities
Water: 303.326.8645
Xcel Energy (Electricity): 855.858.9037
Xcel Energy (Natural Gas): 1.800.895.2999
Building Division: 303.739.7420
Xcel Customer Service Line: 1.800.895.4999
Access Aurora: 303.739.7000
Aurora Police Department
Dispatch: 303.627.3100
General Information: 303.739.6000
District 1: 303.739.6050
District 2: 303.739.6050
District 3: 303.739.6050
Social Security Administration (Social Security or Medicare Cards)
1.800.772.1213
Property and Income Tax
Destroyed Property: 206.263.2332
Personal Property: 206.296.5126
Internal Revenue Service: 1.844.545.5640
*Ask for a copy of Publication 547: Tax Information on Disasters, Casualty Losses and Thefts
Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration (Citizenship Papers)
1.800.375.5283
Bureau of Records (Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce Certificates)
303.692.2200
State Department Passport Services (24 hours)
1.877.487.2778
National Personnel Records Center (Military Discharge Papers)
303.604.4740
Aurora Mental Health and Recovery
303.617.2300
Walk-in Crisis Clinic
2206 Victor St.
Aurora, CO 80045