1. Make sure everyone is safe
People come first. Confirm everyone is out of the property, get medical care for injuries or smoke inhalation, and follow instructions from fire officials.
2. Do not re-enter until cleared
A fire-damaged structure can have weakened floors, ceilings, supports and hazardous soot or chemical residue in the air. Wait for the fire department to confirm it is safe before entering, even briefly.
3. Contact your insurance company
Open a claim as soon as you are able. Ask what they need from you, whether Additional Living Expenses coverage applies if the home is uninhabitable, and how they want documentation submitted.
4. Secure the property
Broken windows, roof openings and fire-damaged access points leave the home exposed to weather and intrusion. Board-up and tarping protect what remains and may be required to prevent further damage.
5. Do not clean soot yourself
Improper soot and smoke cleaning can cause permanent staining or spread residue into cleaner areas. Professional fire restoration matches the cleaning method to the soot type and surface.
6. Document everything
Once officials and the insurer allow access, photograph and video the damage thoroughly. Start a list of damaged belongings and keep receipts for fire-related expenses.
7. Call a fire restoration company
The sooner restoration begins, the better the outcome. Fire crews secure the property, address water from firefighting, clean soot and smoke residue, remove odor and restore damaged areas.
A note on firefighting water
Most fire jobs are also water damage jobs because extinguishing a fire uses significant water. Prompt extraction and structural drying help prevent mold after the fire is out.
FAQs
Can I go back inside after the fire is out?
Only after fire officials say the structure is safe. Fire-damaged buildings can have structural and air-quality hazards.
Should I clean soot before help arrives?
Avoid cleaning soot yourself. The wrong method can smear residue, set stains or spread contamination.
Why is there water damage after a fire?
Firefighting often uses large amounts of water, so extraction and drying are usually part of fire restoration.