Do not enter until the Fire Chief or Incident Commander clears it
Even after visible flames are out, buildings can harbor structural weaknesses, toxic carbon monoxide, and hidden hot spots. Never re-enter your home until the Fire Chief or Town Code Enforcement officer explicitly confirms it is safe to enter.
Immediate assistance & relief
You do not have to navigate the first days alone.
American Red Cross
The Red Cross Disaster Action Team serves Columbia County around the clock. They provide immediate emergency lodging, food stipends, winter clothing, and replacement prescription assistance for displaced families.
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) anytime, 24/7.
Contact your insurer
Call your homeowner's or renter's insurance carrier immediately to open a claim. Ask if your policy provides Loss of Use coverage for immediate hotel or rental reimbursement.
Do not throw away any damaged belongings until your adjuster inspects them or gives permission.
Emergency board-up
Most insurance policies require the homeowner to protect the property from secondary weather damage or vandalism. If windows or doors were breached during firefighting, hire a certified 24-hour emergency board-up company.
Save all receipts for tarps, lumber, and emergency board-up services for insurance reimbursement.
Getting your official incident report
Your insurance adjuster will require an official fire report number.
Ghent Volunteer Fire Company documents every response in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). To obtain a copy of the official report or verification letter for your insurance claim:
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Request your report online or by email
Submit our online NFIRS Incident Report Request form or email support@ghentfire.com with the date of the incident, the street address, your name, and your insurance claim number.
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Report processing
Our volunteer Chief and recording secretary compile the incident documentation. Standard reports are typically completed and available within 3 to 7 business days following the incident.
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Town of Ghent Code Enforcement
For major structural damage, the Town Building Inspector / Code Enforcement officer must perform a safety inspection before power can be permanently restored or repair permits issued. Contact Ghent Town Hall at 518-392-4644.
Safe handling of home systems & food
Electrical wiring
If power was turned off by the fire department or utility, do not turn it back on yourself. Water and heat can create hidden shorts inside wall cavities. Have a licensed electrician inspect and certify your panel.
Propane & oil systems
If valves were shut off, contact your fuel vendor before re-lighting pilot lights. A technician must pressure-test lines and check regulators for heat damage or soot infiltration.
Food & medication safety
Discard any food, medicine, or cosmetics exposed to smoke, heat, or extinguishing soot. Even canned goods can spoil if subjected to extreme heat. When in doubt, throw it out.
Emergency agencies & utility dispatch
Essential local contacts for power restoration, law enforcement, disaster relief, and municipal code compliance.
Life-Threatening Emergency
Columbia County 911 Dispatch — Fire, EMS, Rescue & Police
NYSEG Power & Downed Wires
Electric outages, arcing lines, fallen power poles (24/7 emergency hotline)
National Grid Electric & Gas
Gas leaks, odor of natural gas, power interruptions (24/7 emergency hotline)
American Red Cross Disaster Team
Immediate lodging, food stipends, clothing & prescriptions (Eastern NY Chapter)
Columbia County Sheriff
Non-emergency dispatch, road closures, property security
NYS Police Troop K (Livingston)
State Police regional barracks serving Columbia County
Ghent Town Hall & Building Dept
Town code enforcement, post-incident safety inspections & permits
Poison Control Center
Chemical exposure, smoke inhalation, toxic ingestion advice (24/7)
Answer the Call — Join Ghent VFC No. 1
Whether you want to fight fires, drive apparatus, direct traffic as Fire Police, or support rehab and events, we provide all gear and NYS training at $0 cost to you.
Support Your Volunteer Firefighters
Every dollar stays in Ghent to fund turnout gear, rescue tools, and firefighter safety. Give online with 0% fees via Zeffy or mail a check:
Find us
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P.O. Box 32
Ghent, NY 12075