Spokane: City offers guidance on safely returning home after fires

~ As the evacuation orders for the City of Spokane are downgraded, residents are now able to return to their homes. However, the City is urging caution and offering guidance on how to safely return home.

According to Erin Hut, Communications Director for the City of Spokane, residents whose homes are still standing should be aware of potential hazards such as smoke, ash, and damaged utilities. The Spokane Regional Health District has created a website called "After a Wildfire" which provides guidance on what to look for when returning home.

One important aspect of returning home safely is having the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes masks, long sleeves, gloves, and protective eye wear. The majority of residents will be returning to Tier II neighborhoods and are advised to wear N95 masks. For those in Tier I neighborhoods, public health officials are working to deliver PPE kits directly to homes. For everyone else, PPE distribution points have been set up at various locations within the City of Spokane boundaries.

These locations include Indian Trail Shopping Center, River Ridge Shopping Center, Five Mile Park N Ride, and the corner of 9 Mile Road and Royal Drive. At these sites, residents can pick up masks, water, and printed guidance on returning home.

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Once residents have the appropriate PPE, they can begin cleaning the inside of their homes. The Washington State Department of Health has provided guidelines for cleaning after a wildfire. This includes washing hard surfaces with mild soapy water and avoiding dry sweeping ash. It is also recommended to replace HVAC and air purifier filters and clean all exposed dishware and textiles.

Residents should also avoid using leaf blowers or other equipment that may stir up dust in the air. If vacuuming is necessary, a HEPA filter vacuum should be used. Outside, it is advised to wait for further guidance from authorities before disturbing or sifting through contaminated soil or ash.

Garbage service has also been addressed by the City of Spokane. Residents are advised to throw away any food that was in refrigerators or freezers that lost power for several days. Spoiled food and solid waste can be disposed of, as long as it is not fire debris. Extra bags of garbage can be put out on regular collection days at no cost, and damaged carts can be replaced by calling Spokane 311.

For those whose water has been turned off, it is important to not try to restore utilities themselves. Instead, residents should call Spokane 311 to have water service safely restored. The City's Water Department has conducted tests for bacteria and other contaminants and has reported that the water in impacted areas is safe and clean.

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However, residents who have been evacuated for more than a week are advised to flush their water before drinking it. This helps to avoid any issues with stagnant water in their homes. The Water Department recommends flushing water through internal plumbing fixtures to refresh the water from the main pipes.

To properly flush plumbing after returning home, residents should remove faucet aerators from sinks and turn on all cold-water faucets one at a time, leaving them running as they move through their home. Other infrequently used fixtures such as outdoor hose bibs/spigots, refrigerator water dispensers or ice maker supplies, washing machine supply lines, and other fixtures should also be flushed.

Lastly, for those whose gas service has been turned off, it is important to call Avista Utilities at 800-227-9187 instead of attempting to relight natural gas service or appliances themselves.

The City of Spokane has also provided a Tiered Parcel Map for residents to check which tier their home falls under.

As residents return home after the wildfire evacuation orders have been downgraded, it is crucial that they follow these guidelines provided by the City of Spokane in order to ensure their safety and well-being.

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