You've had a fire in your home. You and your family got out safely and the fire department came. The fire is out and the flames and smoke are gone. But what do I do now? Where do I start? Who do I call next? You will recover. Life will go on and you and your family will go forward from this experience. But right now you may need a little help knowing what are the things you have to do next. After all there are a lot of things to consider.

As firefighters, for years we have come when you called us, put the fire out, made sure your family was safe. But we always felt that there was more that could be done to help you get back on your feet. Now through an initiative of the Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs, we think we can do more.

Introduced in October 2000, "After The Fire" attempts to lessen the trauma upon residents and their families who suffer a major fire in their home. Adopted by the Muskoka Association of Fire Chiefs in partnership with Bell Canada and the Canadian Red Cross, "After The Fire" provides fire victims with the necessary information to help them begin to restore their lives. With step-by-step information in well-formatted package, "After The Fire" guides fire victims through the process of the many tasks that need to be done following a fire. From recovering lost documents, salvaging furniture and appliances to information on who to contact from social agencies to insurance adjusters. This package will go a long way to helping alleviate the fear and anxiety that are normal following a fire.

Included in the leather portfolio is are such items as a Bell Canada phone directory, Bell Calling Card, a Step-By-Step Guide detailing who should be called next and in what order, coloring books for the kids to help them understand what has happened. Joining the program in 2004 is s. Their dedicated personnel work in helping to meet the short term needs of victims of crime and tragic circumstances by providing emotional support, practical assistance and referrals to community resources.

"After The Fire" has been instituted by each of the six Muskoka Fire Departments for addition to their other programs of serving our residents. In the future we will be adding more services to "After The Fire" to ensure that all that can be done, is being done.