What to Do After a Home Fire: Step-by-Step Help

A fire at home is scary. It can happen fast and leave you feeling lost. If your home has had a fire, you’re likely asking: What do I do now? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many families go through this, and help is available.

This guide will walk you through what to do after a house fire in simple steps. From staying safe to calling your insurance company and cleaning up, we’ll explain everything. Let’s get started.

Make Sure Everyone is Safe

Your first job is to make sure everyone is okay. This includes people and pets. Go to a safe place like a neighbor’s home or nearby shelter. If someone is hurt, call 911 right away.

Call the Fire Department (Even If the Fire is Out)

If you haven’t already, make sure the fire department has checked your home. Even if the fire seems small or already out, it may still be dangerous.

Don’t Go Back Inside Yet

Even if your house looks fine on the outside, it might not be safe inside. There could be smoke damage, hot spots, or weak walls. Wait for the fire department to say it’s safe before going back in.

Contact Your Insurance Company

One of the most important things to do after a fire is to call your homeowners insurance. They will help you file a fire damage claim and explain what they cover.

Important info to have ready:

Your policy number
Date and time of the fire
Description of damage
Police or fire report (if you have it)

Ask your insurance agent about temporary housing, repairs, and replacing lost items.

Secure Your Home

If it’s safe to do so, protect your home from more damage. This might mean:

Boarding up broken windows
Covering holes in the roof
Locking doors if possible

Some companies offer emergency board-up services after a fire. These help keep out rain, animals, and thieves.

Find a Safe Place to Stay

If your home is not livable, find a safe place to stay. Your insurance might pay for temporary housing at a hotel or rental home.

Other places that may help:

American Red Cross
Local disaster relief groups
Family or friends nearby

Document the Damage

When it’s safe, take pictures and videos of your home. This helps with your insurance fire claim and shows what was damaged. Try to:

Take clear photos of each room
List items that were destroyed or burned
Don’t throw anything away yet

Don’t Start Cleaning Right Away

It may feel like you should clean up right away. But fire and smoke damage cleanup can be dangerous. There may be:

Ash and soot in the air
Water damage from firefighting
Burned materials that are unsafe to touch

Call a Fire Damage Restoration Company

Professionals can clean up your home the right way. Look for companies that offer:

Fire damage restoration
Smoke damage repair
Water removal services
24/7 emergency help

A trusted company like Preferred Restoration can help you safely get your home back in shape.

Get a Copy of the Fire Report

Ask the fire department for a copy of the fire incident report. This document explains:

When and where the fire happened
What caused it (if known)
Damage details

You’ll need this for insurance and for your records.

Replace Important Documents

Did you lose your driver’s license, birth certificate, or social security card in the fire? Start replacing them as soon as you can. Here’s where to go:

DMV for driver’s license
Social Security office for your SS card
County records for birth certificates

Also contact your utility companies (gas, electric, water) to pause or restart services.

Take Care of Your Health

Smoke and fire can hurt your lungs, even if you didn’t feel it at first. If you have:

Coughing
Headaches
Breathing trouble

…see a doctor right away.

Also, it’s okay to feel sad, scared, or stressed. Fires are emotional. Talk to a counselor, your doctor, or someone you trust.

Save Receipts

Keep receipts for all expenses after the fire — hotel stays, food, clothes, repairs, and anything else. Your insurance may pay you back for some of these costs.

Watch Out for Scams

Sadly, some people try to trick fire victims. Be careful of:

Fake repair companies
People asking for money upfront
Offers that sound too good to be true

Always check licenses and reviews before hiring anyone.

Start the Recovery Process

Once the fire is out and your family is safe, it’s time to begin recovering. This might take weeks or even months, but you’re not alone.

Work with:

Your insurance adjuster
Fire damage repair experts
A trusted restoration company like Preferred Restoration

They can help clean, rebuild, and restore your home step-by-step.

Entities to Know After a Fire

Here are some helpful organizations that can support you:

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
American Red Cross
Salvation Army
Local housing authorities
Preferred Restoration (for cleaning and repairs)

Fire Prevention Tips for the Future

Once you recover, take steps to prevent another fire:

Check smoke alarms every month
Don’t leave stoves or candles unattended
Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen
Make a fire escape plan with your family

FAQs About What to Do After a Home Fire

How soon should I call my insurance company?

Right away. Call as soon as you’re safe and have your policy info ready. The sooner you file a claim, the faster help will come.

Can I go inside my home after the fire is out?

Not until firefighters or professionals say it’s safe. The fire might be out, but the structure could be weak or full of smoke and soot.

What does fire damage restoration include?

It includes cleaning smoke and soot, removing water from fire hoses, repairing burned areas, and restoring damaged items. Many companies also deodorize the space.

Will my insurance pay for hotel stays?

Most homeowner insurance policies include additional living expenses (ALE) which cover hotel stays and meals while your home is being repaired.

How long does it take to fix fire damage?

It depends on how bad the fire was. Small fires may take a few weeks. Big fires can take months. A good restoration company can give you a timeline.

Final Thoughts

Fires are scary. But with the right steps, you and your family can recover. Make sure everyone is safe, contact your insurance company, and work with professionals who understand how to clean and fix fire damage.

Companies like Preferred Restoration are trained in fire damage cleanup, smoke odor removal, and emergency restoration services. They’re ready to help — day or night.

You don’t have to face this alone. Help is out there. You’ve got this. Contact us today for more information about our fire and smoke damage services.

Eric Allison

Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.

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