What to Do Immediately After a House Fire: Step-by-Step Guide

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), house fires cause over 350,000 residential fires annually

According to the IICRC, timely fire damage restoration can reduce recovery time and costs by up to 40%.

A house fire can be one of the most traumatic events a homeowner will ever face. Beyond the initial danger, the aftermath leaves families overwhelmed with questions: 

• What should I do now? 

• Is it safe to return? 

• How do I handle insurance? 

LocalRestorePro can help you answer these questions. Sign Up here today.

We specialize in helping homeowners recover from disasters, from insurance to contractors. The below is a step-by-step guide that will help you take the right actions immediately after a house fire to ensure your safety, protect your property, and begin the recovery process.

1. Ensure Safety First

Once the fire is extinguished, only return to your home once the fire department gives you clearance. Hidden dangers can still linger, like structural damage, toxic fumes, and electrical hazards. 

If anyone is injured or experiencing smoke inhalation symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Safety should always come before salvaging.

2. Contact Your Insurance Provider

As soon as you're safe, contact your homeowner's insurance company to report the fire. The faster you file a claim, the sooner you can receive assistance. Be prepared to provide:

• The date and time of the fire

• A copy of the fire department’s report

• A list of damaged or lost items

• Any photos or videos you’ve taken

Keep receipts for temporary housing, meals, and essential items—these may be reimbursable under your policy.

3. Secure the Property

To prevent further damage or theft, secure your home as soon as possible. This may include boarding up windows, placing a tarp over roof damage, and turning off utilities. Many insurance policies require homeowners to mitigate further damage or risk claim denial.

LocalRestorePro can support you with 24/7 emergency board-up and tarping services to help you protect what’s left. Sign up for further assistance.

4. Document Everything

Start taking photos or videos of the damage right away. Document all affected areas, including furniture, appliances, and structural damage. This evidence will be critical during the insurance claims process. Avoid throwing anything away until your adjuster has inspected the scene.

5. Hire a Fire Damage Restoration Specialist

Restoring your home after a fire requires professional expertise. Certified fire restoration experts like LocalRestorePro can handle:

• Smoke and soot removal

• Structural cleaning

• Water damage mitigation from firefighting efforts

• Odor control

• Rebuilding and remodeling

6. Take Care of Emotional Wellbeing

Experiencing a house fire is emotionally devastating. Seek support from local disaster relief organizations, therapists, or community groups. Helping children or elderly family members process the trauma is equally important.

Start the Recovery Process Today

At LocalRestorePro, we understand the urgency and sensitivity required after a house fire. Our team is on-call 24/7 to provide emergency services and guide you through every step of the restoration process—from damage assessment to dealing with your insurance provider.

Don’t wait—get expert help now.

Fill out the form at the bottom of this page to schedule your free fire damage inspection and speak with a local specialist today.