Dear Clinton Residents,
Many of you will remember returning home after the 2017 wildfires. At that time, residents could tape a fridge or freezer shut and dispose of the entire appliance with the spoiled food still inside.
⛔ That process has changed ⛔
It is important for residents to know that the Village of Clinton and the TNRD do not have provincial funding or operational support to remove, replace or repair fridges and freezers following this evacuation.
If your fridge or freezer has not been damaged by the fire and is still working, you will need to empty and clean it.
Please do not tape it shut expecting the entire appliance to be removed.
We know this may be an unpleasant and difficult job, especially after being away from home for an extended period.
The Clinton EOC will have personal protective equipment (PPE) available for residents when you return, and we are working to have cleaning supplies available to help with this process.
When you return home
If your fridge or freezer was damaged by the fire:
Contact your insurance company to ask whether replacement or disposal is an eligible expense.
If your fridge or freezer was not damaged and is still working:
- Protect yourself. Wear latex or rubber gloves, eye protection and an N95 mask while removing spoiled food and cleaning the appliance.
- Remove all food. Everything in the fridge or freezer should be removed and disposed of appropriately.
- Clean up spills. Use paper towels or rags to wipe up spills and leaks. Dispose of these with the food waste.
- Wash the appliance. Clean the inside and outside with warm, soapy water.
- Disinfect it. Use a mild bleach solution of 1 teaspoon of household bleach to 4 cups of water.
- If your fridge has a water dispenser, replace the filter and clean the water line according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Leave the doors open to allow air to circulate. Keep children and pets away from the appliance while the doors are open.
Dealing with odors
- To help remove odours, wipe the inside with a mixture of water and baking soda, or leave an open box of baking soda inside.
- You can also leave the appliance unplugged and open to air out for a few days before using it again.
- Before adding new food, make sure your refrigerator has reached 4°C or colder and your freezer has reached -18°C or colder.
Please be prepared
Returning home after a wildfire evacuation involves more than simply opening the door and settling back in.
There will be work to do, and the Clinton EOC and our partners are preparing supports to help residents through that process.
More information about returning home safely after an evacuation is available from Interior Health:
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/stories/returning-home-after-evacuation
