Are you in crisis, unsure what to do after a fire in your home? Call (323) 970-4761 to schedule emergency services and crisis relief with Restorerz.
House fires are extremely scary, and you may not know where to turn. Understanding the right steps to take helps limit your stress, so you can focus on helping your family move ahead.
In this guide, we outline what to do after a fire, from the first seconds when it begins to the cleanup afterwards. We’ll guide you through the entire post-house fire checklist from start to finish, so you can protect your home, begin the restoration, and start rebuilding.
1. Ensure Safety First
Your safety is the number one priority during a house fire. Before doing anything, make sure that everyone in your household evacuates and is safe, secure, and receiving the care they need.
If you haven’t already, contact emergency services and notify the fire department. They’ll check that the fire is completely extinguished, identify any hidden dangers, and give first aid if necessary.
2. Don’t Re-Enter Your Home After Fire
While it can be tempting to run inside and assess the damage, you should never enter your home until it is entirely safe to do so. Re-entering your home too early can put you at serious risk, exposing you to toxic smoke, unstable structures, and health hazards.
Your local fire department will evaluate your home and let you know when it’s safe to re-enter. Until you get their okay, stay far away from the property.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
After letting your friends and family know you’re safe, the next call should be to your insurance company. The faster you let them know about the fire, the sooner they can start the claims process. Try to provide them with as much information as possible, including:
- Your name and address
- The cause, location, and time of the fire
- The extent of damage
- Who was home
- Whether the fire department is on site
If you don’t have all the facts right away, that’s okay. Your provider will assign an agent to your case who can help you gather the right information and walk you through the next steps.
4. Arrange Temporary Housing
Even if the damage seems minor, you’ll often need to find temporary housing after a fire. Smoke inhalation, lingering toxins, and hidden damage can make it an unsafe place for your family to stay until restoration is complete.
Many home insurance policies include coverage for “Additional Living Expenses” (ALE), which helps pay for housing while you recover. Your insurance agent can explain what this includes, such as hotel stays, rentals, meals, and other daily expenses, and guide you through the process of submitting a claim.
5. Begin a Damage Assessment & Inspection
Once you’ve settled in a safe location, start taking inventory of the damage to your property. Request a copy of the report from your local fire department and confirm that it’s safe to re-enter your home. If it’s all clear, use your phone to take photos or videos of the entire space, including close-ups of furniture, appliances, personal belongings, and clothing.
Create a list of everything that was destroyed, and use the photos as evidence in your insurance claim. Depending on your coverage, your policy will pay to replace some or all of your belongings. Don’t forget to include receipts for expenses such as hotel stays, meals, new clothes, and hospital visits, which may be eligible for additional reimbursement under your ALE coverage.
6. Call Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services
Cleaning up your home or rebuilding after your house burns down can be a lengthy process, so it’s best to get started as soon as possible. Contact a professional restoration company, such as Restorerz, and schedule a fire damage assessment. They have the tools and expertise to evaluate your space, identify any structural damage, and determine the necessary repairs.
Common restoration steps include:
- Smoke and soot cleanup
- Water damage restoration
- Debris removal
- Wall, ceiling, and air duct cleaning
- Structural repairs
7. Let Restoration Experts Handle Fire, Smoke & Soot Removal
While the expenses after a fire can feel overwhelming, never attempt restoration projects on your own as a way to cut costs. Improper cleaning and restoration methods can lead to serious health hazards, make the damage worse, and even jeopardize your insurance claim. Soot and smoke residue are highly acidic and corrosive. Using the wrong tools for cleanup can actually push them deeper into surfaces and destroy once-salvagable belongings.
Seasoned pros like Restorerz have the equipment and training to safely clean your space, repair damage, and deodorize your home. Once complete, they’ll make sure your home is ready for occupancy and has all of the protective measures in place, from working extinguishers to freshly replaced smoke detectors.
Let Restorez Help Restore Your Peace of Mind
When the aftermath of a fire feels too overwhelming to handle, we’re here to help. Our world-class problem solvers are available around the clock to assess the damage, restore your home, and guide you through the recovery process. We use safe and innovative techniques that preserve your belongings and work with all insurance companies to help you get the most out of your coverage. Call us to schedule your assessment and start moving forward today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does house fire damage restoration take?
The amount of time required for restoration depends on the extent of damage to your home. If it’s only minor, restoration may only take a few days. But if there’s major structural damage, the process could take a few months or even over a year.
Can my homeowner’s insurance cover cleanup and rebuild?
Your homeowner’s insurance often covers cleanup and rebuilding costs. When you contact your insurance provider, ask them to explain the full extent of your coverage so you can understand what’s included.
Will the smoke odor ever fully go away?
Smoke odors can be completely eliminated with proper restoration techniques. Our pros use specialized treatments to remove soot, clear air vents, and get rid of smoke smells for good.