- House fires can potentially affect families physically in three ways: smoke inhalation, burns or death. If anyone inhaled the smoke from the fire, then they would need oxygen treatment. If anyone inhaled a large amount of the smoke, the doctors may choose to insert a tube down the throat to protect the airway in case it begins to swell (see Resources below). Family members may also get burned trying to escape the house. These burns can range from minor to major. Minor burns can be treated at any local hospital, but major burns may require a visit to a burn center.
- Losing a house in a fire can be a major financial burden on a family. They may have some insurance to build another house, but in the meantime the family is displaced and is forced to spend money on lodging elsewhere. The family must then also start from scratch, applying for insurance benefits, buying all new clothes, furniture and various other household items. Many families are forced to rely on the goodwill of others until a new house is built, which can take several years.
- House fires can take a huge toll on a family emotionally. They have lost all of their keepsakes and family photos that they can never get back. Children have lost their favorite toy. Families may also become embarrassed about their need to rely on the community to help support them until they get a new house built. It is a major adjustment to have to get used to all new surroundings. Many families need to seek counseling to deal with their loss. Some family members may even begin to show signs of post traumatic stress disorder (see Resources below).
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House fires affect families spiritually because they are looking for a reason as to how something this tragic could happen. Families may begin asking why God has allowed this to happen to them. They may begin to question their faith or belief in God. Conversely, families that have not thought about God before may actually do the opposite and seek God out.
In addition to counseling, a family may want to seek some advice from their local pastor or priest.
