After a house fire: what to do in the first days
Don’t go back in until the fire department says it’s safe. Get emergency help from the Red Cross or 211. Call your insurer for a claim number and ask about additional living expenses like a hotel and meals; keep every receipt. Get the fire report, make a room-by-room list with photos of damaged items, and don’t throw things away until the adjuster says it’s OK. Don’t sign contracts in a rush.
Your checklist
- Don’t go in until it’s declared safe
- Get emergency help (Red Cross, 211)
- Call insurance; ask about living expenses
- Get the fire report
- List and photograph damaged items
- Don’t sign anything in a rush
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
Safety first
Don’t go back inside until the fire department says it’s safe. Utilities may need to be checked before they’re turned back on.
Emergency help
The Red Cross and local agencies can help with a place to stay, food, clothing and medicine. Call 211 or contact the Red Cross.
Insurance
Call your insurer for a claim number. Many policies pay additional living expenses (hotel, meals, extra costs) while your home is repaired. Keep every receipt. Ask whether they’ll pay to board up and secure the home.
Paperwork
- Get a copy of the fire report.
- Make a room-by-room list of damaged items with photos, ages and values.
- Don’t throw damaged items away until the adjuster has seen them or says it’s OK.
- Replace important documents like IDs, Social Security cards and bank cards.
Be careful who you hire
Contractors and public adjusters may show up quickly. Public adjusters can help with complex claims but take a percentage. Read every contract, check licenses, and don’t sign under pressure.
Smoke damage
Smoke and soot cleanup is a specialty; ask your insurer about approved cleaning.
Official sources, and where to look
- American Red Cross: home fire recoveryredcross.org
- U.S. Fire Administration: after the fireusfa.fema.gov
- NAIC: your state insurance departmentcontent.naic.org
Red Cross [your city] disaster help[your state] public adjuster license lookup
Common questions
How long do I have to file a fire insurance claim?
Report it as soon as possible. Policies set deadlines for notice and proof of loss; ask your insurer for them in writing. More ›
What is a public adjuster?
A licensed professional you hire to handle your claim with your insurer. They charge a percentage of the payout, so weigh whether you need one. More ›
Where can I stay after a house fire?
The Red Cross and local agencies can help with emergency housing. Your insurance may pay additional living expenses while repairs happen. More ›
What are additional living expenses?
Extra costs of living elsewhere after a covered loss, like a hotel, rent, meals and laundry, beyond your normal costs. Keep receipts. More ›
How do I get a copy of the fire report?
Contact the fire department that responded. Many have a request form; there may be a small fee. More ›
Should I throw away smoke-damaged things?
Not until your adjuster has seen them or approved it. Photograph and list everything first. More ›
Find fire damage restoration near you
Licensed pros, with written estimates.
No one is listed here yet. Check back soon.
Know someone who needs this?
Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.