Another Hand Foundation
The mission of Another Hand Foundation to help families that have been affected by a tragedy or disaster. We have gathered this information to help you with "what to do steps" for after a fire has occurred.
Contact your local Red Cross or Salvation Army. They are to be contacted for disaster relief. They can help you with immediate needs, such as:
1. Temporary Housing
2. Food
3. Medicines
4. Eyeglasses
5. Clothing or
6. Other special needs
Contact your insurance agent/company as soon as possible. Do not sign any documents from anyone wanting you to sign something right away without contacting your insurance company or Another Hand Foundation.
It is important that you do not enter the home after the fire. Fires may restart due to hidden remains.
It is important that you board up your house or close any opening to discourage trespassers.
It is important that you start keeping all your receipts and keeping track of all of your expenses related to your fire loss in order to show the insurance company what money you have spent.
If you are not insured...
Your recovery may be based upon your own resources and help from your community.
You may want to contact some private organizations that may aid you in this time of need.
Some organizations that may be a source of information:
Community Links:
The American Red Cross
211 Impact
Social Development Commission
La Casa Esperanza
Delivering furniture to a families in need
Another Hand was ready for families during the floods with linens, towels and blankets. AHF helped over 70 families from the floods of 2010.
Using a secure site with PayPal!
You can prevent tragedies simply by testing and maintaining your smoke alarms and practicing a fire escape plan. All smoke alarms in your house should be tested once a month to make sure they operate properly, and their batteries replaced annually. If a smoke alarm is battery operated, replace the batteries at least once a month to make they operate properly and replace the batteries at least once a year to make sure the alarm will work when it is needed.
It's a good practice to make replacement of batteries a seasonal routine, such as when resetting clocks in the fall or spring. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing smoke alarms and replacing the batteries.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2003 and 2006, 66 percent of home fire deaths occurred in homes without a working smoke alarm.
Fires can strike at any where at any time. You should walk your family through a fire drill so that everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a fire.
Every room in the house should have an escape exits. A kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. Keep a fire extinguisher close to the kitchen at all times. You may purchase fire extinguishers from any local store such as: Target, Sears, Lowes, Home Depot, Ace, True Value, Walmart etc.
Bringing a mattress and furniture to a fire-loss family
Do you have household items you want to donate? If yes, call us today. We can pick up the items at your location or you may drop them off at Another Hand Foundation.
There are over 500 fires a year in Milwaukee County alone. There are many families that need our help or just need Another Hand to help. Please call our office for your donations.
Sorting clothes for families during the floods of 2010.
In 2010 Another Hand Foundation helped over 270 families with household furniture and clothing. That is why your donations are so important, please consider us for your donations.
Thank you,
Zulima Murgado and Staff
National Fire Prevention Assoc. RELATED LINKS:
Safe Kids
Milwaukee Fire Department
