GLADIATOR FIRE EVACUEE RE-ENTRY AND RECOVERY

Posted on May 25, 2012

Before residents of evacuated communities are allowed to return home, the County and supporting agencies will need to ensure conditions are safe. These include:

 RE-ENTRY SECURITY Law Enforcement will ensure that only residents of the affected communities are allowed in. Please be sure you have appropriate identification proving you are a resident with you. You must get your re-entry pass before returning home. These passes will only be issued at the Sheriff’s Office Sub Station at 13272 Central Avenue in Mayer (771- 3509).

  • Phase 1 -   Day 1 – will be opened to Full Time Residents and Business Owners Only.
  • Phase 2 -   Day 2 – will be opened to Part Time Residents and Other Property Owners.
  • Phase 3 -   Day 4 – will be opened to public/media.

SAFETY

  • Planning & Building will be available for structures which have sustained damage for a field assessment for buildings or properties which may be unsafe to enter.
  • APS and the local water system operator may need to restore services.

 RED CROSS SERVICES Will provide shelter and meals as needed.  Reach the Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross at 1-800-842-7349

PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION (referenced brochures will be provided at re-entry)

Food Safety. Since power was off, some refrigerated foods may need to be thrown out:

  • All leftovers or cooked foods, raw meats, and lunchmeats
  • Dairy products (including soft/semi-hard cheeses), eggs, sprouts, cut melons
  • Prepared foods such as store-bought deli salads
  • You can keep unopened containers of ketchup, mustard, jams/jellies, store bought salad dressing, pickles/relish, and other similar foods. If containers were already opened, check these as well as fruits and vegetables for signs of spoilage. Canned and packaged foods in pantries are safe unless exposed to extreme fire heat.
  • Check frozen food for thawing and refreezing that might have happened when power was lost and then restored (example: large ice crystals in the food, or frozen liquid at the bottom of container). If refreezing is obvious throw away. It is better to replace the food than to risk your health by taking a chance. If in doubt, throw it out. For more information call (928)771-3149 (press option 3).

Private Wells. If your home, or business, is on a private well, and was affected by the fire you may need to take some precautions.

  • See brochure entitled Private Wells After the Fire
  • For more information call Arizona Department of Environmental Quality at
    (800) 234-5677.

 Wildlife. During and after a fire, wildlife may be displaced and looking for food and water.

  • Do not leave pet food or water bowls outdoors that will attract wildlife
  • Protect your pets as appropriate; keep safe from possible predator animals.
  • Avoid contact with wildlife which may be carrying diseases such as rabies and plague.

Biting Insects. While working outdoors, use an insect repellent containing DEET to prevent bites from fleas and ticks.

Snakes. When outdoors, be aware that snakes could be hiding in trash or wood piles.

Garbage. To avoid attracting animals and flies use tightly covered containers to hold garbage, and dispose in the provided rollouts (large dumpsters).

Onsite Wastewater Systems (Septic Systems).

  • Certain systems could be affected by lack of use during a long absence: contact your service provider or consult your Operation and Maintenance manual
  • Systems with pumps and aerators may need the filters cleaned and serviced
  • Additional concerns might be fire retardant, water, ash, and weight of fallen debris crushing system components
  • Plastic and fiberglass septic tanks, lids and risers may have melted. Beware that open tanks pose a falling and drowning  risk and may attract wildlife
  • Plastic components of onsite wastewater systems may have melted causing untreated or poorly treated sewage to surface. Human and animal contact may cause illness.
  • For information call Yavapai County Development Services at 771-3214.

Air Quality. If you were exposed to smoke during the evacuation you might have health concerns. See brochure What to Do During a Fire or consult a medical professional if you aren’t feeling well. For more info call ADEQ at (800)234-5677.

Clean-up. For information on cleaning clothes, cookware, furniture and other items see brochure entitled What to Do After a Fire and the handouts. We will provide masks to residents.

 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Don’t hesitate to ask for help if the stress is getting to you or someone you know. Talking to a friend or a counselor can help you get through this. Wildfires cause different reactions in people. Some go into an automatic mode to handle the situation and don’t deal with the emotional side; other people are consumed by the feelings that go along with an incident of this magnitude. Help is available by calling the NARBHA Crisis Line at 1-877-756-4090. See brochure After a Disaster.

FLOOD INSURANCE Portions of Crown King have been identified as having a potential increased flood or mudflow risk due to the Gladiator Fire. Flood insurance policies can be purchased through your flood insurance agent or company. There is a standard 30-day waiting period before new flood insurance policies become effective. For more information specific to your property contact the Flood Control District at (928) 771-3197 Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For information on flood insurance, contact your insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov.

 Individual Assistance Service Center The State of Arizona, Division of Emergency Management, in conjunction with Yavapai County, will open an Individual Assistance Service Center (IASC). The purpose of the IASC is to bring in various volunteer and governmental organizations that can provide recovery services to residents. The location and dates of operation of the IASC will be announced to the public as soon as possible.

 Emergency Management, 1100 Commerce Drive, Prescott, AZ 86305 (928)771-3321

Health Department, 1090 Commerce Drive, Prescott, AZ 86305-3700  (928) 771-3122  (928) 713-9424 24/7 YavapaiHealth.com

Brochures:
After A Disaster Coping Wildland Fires

Disaster Coping Wildland Fires

fire smoke your health brochure

Injury-prevention

Private wells

Safe-Tips-on-Wildfire-Ash-Cleanup

Wildfire-Air-Quality