Kebakaran di Hongfu Yuan | Penduduk secara berurutan menerima panduan dan peraturan naik ke atas, dan Departemen Sosial membantu menilai apakah sesuai untuk kembali ke unit

Residents of the affected building at Tai Po Hung Fuk Court Block 7 will return to their units to collect their belongings in batches starting from the 20th of next month. Residents will be notified of the days and times to go upstairs by “one household one social worker,” and will receive the relevant “Guidelines,” questionnaire forms, and “Companion Instructions.”

The “Guidelines” mention that the building’s electricity, water supply, firefighting, and elevator systems have been completely interrupted, and there are debris scattered on the floors of common areas. Some units may have loose concrete on the ceiling and walls. The government has arranged temporary lighting systems and cleaning in the public areas of the building. Each resident will receive an identification tag on the day they go upstairs. It is recommended to consider bringing a backpack, wearing loose clothing, and sturdy protective shoes. Those wearing slippers or sandals will be refused entry upstairs. Protective equipment, hygiene supplies, small red-white-blue bags, and garbage bags will be provided at that time. Since residents need to walk downstairs to leave, the use of large red-white-blue bags is not recommended to avoid excessive weight causing accidents.

After residents leave their units, the police will seal the unit entrances with tape to indicate that the collection of belongings has been completed. Residents may only enter their own units and not others. No open flames or use of portable fans are allowed during the upstairs period. There is no flushing water in the units, so do not use the bathrooms inside the units; as the items in the refrigerator may have severely rotted, it is advised to avoid opening the refrigerator.

The Social Welfare Department has issued questionnaires and short videos to help residents assess whether it is suitable to return to their units in person, including “Importance of items,” “Health and safety,” “Psychological condition,” “Expectations management,” and “Follow-up plans.” If they choose not to return to their units, they may consider authorizing someone else to retrieve their personal belongings.

The department reminds residents to prepare psychologically before returning to their units, as well as to adjust psychologically after returning. Clinical psychologists from the department point out that returning to the unit may evoke trauma, and residents can first discuss with their social workers whether it is suitable. If residents have lost relatives in the incident and wish to return to the unit for a farewell, they should ensure sufficient support from friends and family. Residents are advised to arrange a little time for a final farewell, symbolizing the end of a phase.