What to Do After a House Fire: The First 48 Hours

Seeing your home damaged by fire is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can go through. But once the firetrucks leave, the real work begins.

The decisions you make in the first 48 hours are critical for your safety and your insurance claim.

1. Secure the Site (Board Up)

Your insurer expects you to protect the remaining structure.

2. Contact Your Insurance Agent Immediately

Report the claim instantly. You will need:

• Advance Check: Ask for an advance against your claim to buy immediate necessities like clothes, toiletries, and food.
• Loss of Use: Ask about your "Additional Living Expenses" (ALE) budget for a hotel or rental home.

3. Get a Copy of the Fire Report

You will need this for your insurance. Contact your local fire department's non-emergency line to ask how to obtain the official report. It details the cause of the fire and the date/time.

The Hidden Damage: Water & Smoke

Often, the fire only burns one room, but the water from the fire hoses ruins the rest of the house.

Similarly, smoke travels through HVAC ducts and settles on everything. Even if your clothes look fine, they may reek of smoke forever if not professionally treated. Do not try to wash "soot" yourself—you will smudge it and ruin the paint. Leave it to professionals.

Beware of "Ambulance Chasers"

Sadly, scanners often alert contractors to fires. You might have people showing up at your burned lawn offering to fix everything immediately.

Do NOT sign anything while you are in shock. Verify licenses. Talk to your adjuster first. Scammers love to take a deposit and disappear.

Conclusion

Take a deep breath. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on finding a safe place to sleep for your family tonight, and let the insurance process handle the rest starting tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions