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

1. Make sure everyone is safe

Do not re-enter the home until the fire department confirms it is safe. Structures weakened by fire can be dangerous, and lingering smoke and fumes are harmful. Account for every family member and pet, and get medical attention for anyone who needs it.

2. Contact your insurance company

Report the fire to your insurer as soon as you can. Ask about coverage for temporary housing, emergency board-up and cleanup. The sooner the claim starts, the sooner help and funds can flow. Keep a record of everyone you speak with and what was discussed.

3. Secure the property

After a fire, a home is often left open to weather and intruders through broken windows, doors and roof damage. Emergency board-up and tarping protect what remains and are usually part of your coverage. A restoration company can secure the property quickly, day or night.

4. Do not start cleaning smoke and soot yourself

Soot is acidic and spreads easily. Wiping it with the wrong method can drive it deeper into walls, fabrics and finishes, causing permanent staining and etching. Smoke odor also settles into materials throughout the home, well beyond the burned area. Professional cleaning uses the right products and equipment to avoid making the damage worse.

• Avoid touching soot-covered surfaces, which can smear and stain.
• Do not use household cleaners on soot, which can set the stains.
• Keep off electrical items and appliances exposed to fire or water.
• Do not run the HVAC system, which can spread soot and odor.

5. Document the damage

Photograph and video every room and item before anything is moved or discarded. Make a list of damaged belongings with approximate values. This documentation supports your claim, and a restoration company can provide the detailed estimates insurers expect.

6. Call a fire restoration professional

Fire recovery involves several overlapping problems at once: structural damage, water from firefighting, soot, smoke odor and safety hazards. A fire damage restoration team handles them together, from securing the property and removing debris to cleaning soot, eliminating odor and rebuilding. Turning On responds 24/7 across Washington and works directly with your insurance. Call (425) 772-9467.

You do not have to sort this out alone. With the right help, a fire does not have to define your home. It becomes something you recover from, step by step.