Description: Returning HomeAll of the following information is provided by Placer County and is also available on the Returning Home webpage.Health and Safety Precautions for Re-entry and Debris Removal After FireIf you visit your property to collect belongings and mementos, please familiarize yourself with the information below. It contains important details about the hazards of entering a fire-impacted area. Hazard AdvisoryDebris & Hazardous WasteFire damage can create significant health and safety hazards that may be present at individual properties. It is recommended that structure ash is not disturbed due to potential exposure to toxic materials. If you choose to visit your property, please consider the following: Wear sturdy shoes (steel toes and shanks are recommended) and clothing Hazardous chemicals and conditions may be present Inspect propane tanks for visible damage before turning on Cover all clothing when in proximity to ash. Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to avoid skin contact, whenever possible. Goggles should be worn. Contact with wet ash may cause chemical burns or irritation on skin. Change your shoes and clothing prior to leaving the decontamination site, to avoid tracking ash into your car, home, etc. Anything in contact with ash should be cleaned and sanitized. Sorting through/cleaning fire debris is not recommended Be aware of slip, trip, fall, puncture and overhead hazards. Do not use leaf blowers or do any activities that will put ash into the air. Wear a close-fitting respirator mask that is rated N-95 or P-100 to block particles from ash or smoke from being inhaled. N-95 respirators are well-fitted when they do not come into contact with facial hair; strap tension is adequate, not overly tightened; and masks fit across the nose bridge. A tight seal would not be possible for most children, even with a small adult-size model. People with heart or lung disease should consult their physician before using a respirator. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the only agency that certifies respirators to determine that they adequately protect people. Look for NIOSH approval on the package or label. DO NOT REMOVE ASH AND DEBRIS WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM PLACER COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH The county is working with state and federal partners for options to assess all properties for household hazardous waste, asbestos and potential removal of those materials from each property. Household hazardous waste, asbestos and structural ash removal options are under development and will be announced to the public soon.Food Safety Perishable food items that have not been properly stored (at or below 41 F) for more than four hours is not considered safe and must be thrown out. If your home has been damaged and you find non-perishable food items we recommend that you DO NOT use them. The containers may appear to be intact but high temperatures may have caused the seams to fail, resulting in the contents being exposed to potential contamination. When In Doubt, Throw It Out!!Water Safety Upon return of water service for customers in the Colfax area, if the water looks cloudy or dirty, do not drink it. Let the hot and cold-water lines run until the water appears clear. If you are experiencing water pressure issues, please contact Placer County Water Agency's customer service at (530) 823-4850. If you have a private domestic well and it has been damaged, it may have been exposed to potential contamination and can contaminate surrounding groundwater if not repaired properly. Fire can damage the well casing, electrical conduits and piping. DO NOT use the water for consumption which includes drinking, cooking, dishwashing, oral hygiene, hand washing, bathing and pets. If your well appears damaged it will likely need to be repaired by a qualified professional and properly disinfected. Please contact Placer County Environmental Health to discuss your well along with potential disinfection and testi
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