Healthy Homes and Re-Entry There are two considerations when the decision is made to allow re-entry into areas where the wild- fire has burned or destroyed homes: • Allow residents to go through a destroyed/ burned home to sift through the debris in search of personal relics and property. In this situation, there are a number of cautions to communicate to the public. This can only be done after approval from the lead fire agency or unified command. It is often a very sensitive time for owners, and environmental public health staff must be aware that emotions may run high. • The second scenario is when a home or building is minimally damaged or not outwardly damaged at all. These may still require decontamination and steps to remove ash and odors that have entered the home. 57 There is often intense pressure to allow citizens to re-enter wildfire impacted areas or re-occupy homes that are undamaged or have escaped major damage. Environmental public health staff will need to get ahead of this issue and prepare cautionary guidance and fact sheets on re-entry, re-occupancy and how to clean-up their property if undamaged or partially damaged. Public health advisories and directions are key and there are numerous documents that explain what to look for, any dangers in returning, and steps on how to decontaminate. After a major wildfire, environmental public health staff may observe various markings on buildings and structures. These are to avoid duplication of effort and indicate the date and time of the search, if there were any victims, if there were any haz - ards to be aware of, and the team that performed the search. While these markings are more com - mon with other disasters, after wildfires they are occasionally needed. These are usually shown by painted Xs on the outside building surfaces and include date/time, search team name, hazards found and whether or not there are victims present. Other markings may be found to indicate that the building and safety department has assessed the building or structure. Be aware of these postings so as to not enter dangerous structures. Typically, one of three types of indications is posted: • The structure is safe to occupy (white tag) • The structure is unsafe to enter or occupy (red tag)
• The structure has issues and only restricted or cautious entry and use is allowed (yellow tag)
Sample Messaging • EPA “Dealing with Debris and Damaged Buildings”, November 22, 2022 • Post-disaster Building Safety Evaluation Guidance, FEMA 2019 • Indoor Air Quality After a Wildfire, State of Colorado guidance • Restoring Your Home After a Wildfire, LA County Fire guidance • Protect Yourself and your family: Re-entering areas burned by wildfire safely, LA County Fire • Reduce Exposure to Ash When Returning Home After a Fire, CA DPH • Stay Safe After a Wildfire, CDC • Returning Home After a Wildfire, Cal-Fire • Swimming Pools Impacted by Smoke and Ash Template, LA County Fire Sample messaging can be downloaded at: bit.ly/ wildfire-guide
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