#WallowFire - re-entry to Springerville, Eagar, South Fork

#WallowFire - re-entry to Springerville, Eagar, South Fork

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 12, 2011
Contact: Laura Oxley, ADHS Public Information: (602) 228-7905

Health Information for Wallow Fire Evacuees Returning Home

Re-entry to Springerville, Eagar and South Fork is allowed, and returning residents may encounter dangerous conditions that exist in the fire-damaged areas. They should be aware of some possible health-related issues as they settle into their homes.

The 911 system is working properly and folks who return to their homes can access emergency personnel. There are adequate emergency resources, but the routes they normally take to a home may be closed and some of the hospital resources may be limited.

Air quality could continue to be a concern even after people are allowed to return to evacuated areas. Those considering reentry should monitor air quality and go in the afternoon when air quality is better and stay for a short period of time.

People with health issues (heart or lung disease, COPD, emphysema or asthma) should only return if absolutely necessary. Residents dependent on oxygen should wait to return to their homes.

Try to find out before you return if the electricity was shut off at your home and for how long. Food stored in freezers will usually keep at least one day and up to 3 days if the door hasn't been opened. Refrigerators are less able to keep food cold. If your food was above 41 degrees for more than 4 hours, it needs to be discarded. Be sure to keep an inventory of disposed food for your insurance company.

Your water may not be safe to drink when you first return home. Until your water company gives you the all clear, boil your water for at least 3 minutes at rolling boil before drinking, cooking or brushing your teeth. People with private wells should visit www.azdeq.gov before returning to their homes.

You should also wash utensils, such as pots, pans, and flatware with soapy water, rinse, and polish with a fine powder cleanser. Clean copper and brass with salt sprinkled on a vinegar-saturated cloth.

Visit the Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN) website at www.AzEIN.gov for real-time emergency updates, preparedness and hazard information, and multimedia resources.

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