8 Things to Do After a House Fire: Your Complete Checklist

The aftermath of a house fire can be overwhelming. Beyond the emotional toll, the horrifying damage and upsetting disruption to your family’s life can feel insurmountable, and it’s challenging for anyone to know where to begin the repair and restoration process. 

But take a deep breath — you’re not alone. With a clear plan and the right partner, you can start the process of recovery and getting back to normal. At PuroClean of Evanston, our compassionate and experienced team is here to help property owners navigate the path back to a healthy and happy home. 

Our comprehensive checklist will guide you through the crucial initial steps after a fire so you can stay safe, protect your property, and lay the groundwork for a smooth restoration process. Prioritizing your well-being comes first. Delegate tasks to friends and family if you need to, and don’t hesitate to seek emotional support if needed.

Your First Priority

Ensuring the safety of your loved ones and pets is essential. Emergency services personnel will account for and evaluate every resident to determine if additional medical or veterinary care is needed.  

Exposure to smoke, particulates, and heated gases can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation as well as coughing and shortness of breath. Smoke inhalation is the number one cause of death related to fires, and anyone with symptoms from breathing in smoke or soot should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Firefighters sometimes have to break windows or cut holes in the walls or roof to effectively battle the flames. This can leave your house structurally unsound and impossible to inhabit. Fire suppression chemicals and filthy water left behind contain a variety of contaminants and burnt ash may include arsenic, cobalt, chromium, lead, mercury, phthalates, and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). 

Once the fire is extinguished, wait for firefighters to confirm it’s safe to re-enter your home. A knowledgeable restoration or fire safety professional should assess structural damage and potential hazards like electrical wiring or gas leaks.

Make the Call

Promptly notifying your homeowners’ insurance provider is vital for initiating the claims process and accessing the financial assistance you need to rebuild your home and replace your belongings. The sooner you contact your insurance company, the faster the claims process can begin.

Be prepared to provide detailed documentation of the damage, including high-resolution photographs or videos if possible. Your insurance adjuster should guide you through the next steps and answer any questions you may have about coverage and reimbursement.

It’s vital to compile a complete inventory of all damaged belongings. Many homeowner’s insurance policies cover alternative living arrangements while your home is being repaired, so keep receipts for any temporary accommodation, meals, or emergency supplies you need while displaced. Your insurance may reimburse these expenses. 

Do not sign any “release” or “waiver” forms without getting advice from an experienced attorney, and be aware that your insurance provider will not make a payment until all required documentation has been submitted. 

Dealing With Your Belongings

Firefighters may secure entry points initially, but if your home will be unoccupied consider boarding up windows and doors with plywood to prevent vandalism and further weather damage.

While some items may be irreparably damaged by the fire, others may be salvageable with prompt and proper care. Even seemingly ruined items like photos, artwork, or important documents might be recovered after proper cleaning and restoration. 

This may involve drying out water-damaged items, cleaning soot-covered surfaces, or removing smoke odors from fabrics, furniture, and upholstery. Firefighting efforts often cause significant water damage. Standing water can lead to mold growth, so prompt mitigation is critical to maintaining the health of your home.

Work closely with your restoration team to identify which belongings can be saved and take immediate action to mitigate further damage. Remember that time is of the essence when it comes to cleanup efforts, so act quickly to maximize your chances of success.

Get Help from Your Neighborhood Experts

Restoring your property after a house fire is a lengthy, complex process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Look for certifications from organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

PuroClean’s IICRC-certified Paramedics of Property Damage™ are adept at designing a multifaceted approach to fire damage restoration services, including thorough drying, smoke odor and soot removal, sanitization, and rebuilding.

Hiring a professional fire restoration company is crucial for ensuring a thorough and safe cleanup and restoration process. We’re a preferred provider for top homeowners insurance companies nationwide.

Take Care of Yourself and Your Family

House fires are traumatic events, and recovery is not only a physical process but also an emotional one. 

The stress of such a tragedy can take a heavy toll on your mental well-being. Make sure to prioritize self-care and seek support from loved ones, counselors, or support groups if needed.

Encourage open communication with family members, especially children, who may be struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster. Maintaining routines and familiar activities as much as possible provides a level of comfort during this challenging time.

Restoring your home and life after a devastating house fire is a journey that takes time, patience, and persistence, but with the right team by your side, you can rebuild a safe and comfortable living environment for you and your family. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — reach out to us today!