What to Do After a House Fire: A Complete Checklist

Free Offer Form

Selling a fire damaged house is possible, though may be difficult with a real estate agent. Selling as-is to a National cash buyer is one of the best options. Fill out the form below to get started and find out what your property is worth.

Experiencing a house fire can be a devastating and emotionally overwhelming event that no one ever expects to endure.

In the chaotic aftermath, emotional distress and practical challenges can leave individuals feeling lost and unsure of what to do next.

Worry not; we are here to support you through this 12-step house fire checklist for post-fire recovery for rebuilding and healing.

Immediate Response: First Steps after a House Fire

This section provides a full roadmap for navigating the aftermath of a home fire, ensuring safety, and preparing for recovery, including contacting authorities and insurance companies.

Ensuring Everyone's Safety and Health

The first step is to evacuate safely, alert others, and not re-enter the building.

Be sure to observe anyone who may be suffering from smoke inhalation. Inhaling smoke and soot can lead to health risks and exacerbate health conditions.

Take care of your pet too. Remember to get your pets checked by a veterinarian after a fire.

Contact your loved ones and seek medical attention if necessary. Secure your personal property to prevent further damage.

If your home is uninhabitable, find temporary housing and contact local disaster relief services or organizations. Document the fire damage on your fire reports and stay informed about the situation.

Contacting Essential Services

Next, report the fire and request immediate assistance from the local fire department and emergency medical services.

Afterward, contact family and loved ones, notify your insurance agent, and contact a local disaster relief agency like the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. If they haven't arrived yet, follow up with the fire department.

Your main concerns are clearing any standing water and securing the home by covering windows and doors.

When contacting essential services or selling your fire-damaged property after the incident, it's crucial to provide accurate information about your situation so they can respond efficiently.

Securing Temporary Accommodation

Consider searching for hotels, motels, extended stay facilities, or staying with family members during this time.

For additional living expenses, you can ask your insurance agent about vouchers you can give your hotel or motel and the reimbursement period.

Address your finances. You might need to resume any car payments and substitute any credit or debit cards that may have been damaged in the house fire.

Secure your damaged property by boarding up windows and doors, locking them, and notifying your landlord or property manager.

Protect your home as much as possible from weather and unlawful entry.

Before reoccupying the house, investigate for any small fires. Any soot, smoke, ash, and burned objects must be professionally removed from the property.

IMPORTANT: After a house blaze, consider factors like live electricity, damaged structures, collapse risk, and asbestos contamination to ensure safety, and consult your insurance agent for advice.

Can I Sell a Fire Damaged House National?

Yes. You can sell a fire-damaged house. However, it may be harder to sell in the local National real estate market in as-is condition. You would have to make repairs and possibly rebuild most parts of your house before a buyer takes interest in the property. Your best option when selling a fire-damaged house is a cash buyer. They buy burned houses as-is so you don't need to spend money on repairs. They'll handle all the cleanups and renovations for you, however, expect that their offer may be below the cash value of your property.

Next Steps: Reporting the Fire and Filing Claims

After reporting the house fire to the authorities, the next step is to handle your house fire insurance claims with your insurance agent's help to begin the rebuilding process.

This section covers reporting a house fire, filing insurance claims, documenting the incident, assessing further damage, and navigating the insurance process.

Reporting the Incident to Authorities

After your house burns down, notify the fire department and relevant authorities. Document the incident, contact insurance, file a report, and cooperate with the authorities.

It is essential to read and understand your homeowners' insurance policy in advance to know what is covered and what is not—document photos and videos of the fire scene and any injuries or casualties.

File a fire report with the fire department and discuss the possible repair costs with your insurer.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

Gather and document info and conversations before you contact your insurance agency. This will help when you initiate the claims process after the incident.

Follow instructions provided by your homeowners' insurance carrier, including submitting an insurance claim form, obtaining repair estimates, or meeting with an adjuster.

Keep records of correspondences like emails, insurance claim forms, receipts, and other important documents to maintain a clear record and provide evidence if needed.

Give your insurance agency a copy of the fire report. Ask the fire department that arrived at your home for it.

Your insurance company may already be aware of the damage to your home, but they must authorize any repairs before you begin work.

Items destroyed in a house blaze may be covered by insurance, but check your insurance policy to confirm.

Documenting the Damage

Take high-quality photos and videos of the affected area, including close-up shots of damaged personal items and visible signs of fire, heat, smoke and soot, water, or structural damage.

Maintain a thorough inventory of damaged or destroyed household items, document damage, and work with professionals to ensure proper documentation and initiate claims with insurance companies.

Recovery Process: Restoration and Rebuilding

This section covers the restoration process and discusses the proper steps to clean up after a fire and rebuild afterward.

Hiring Fire Restoration Services

Your home must typically be professionally cleaned to remove any traces of smoke damage and dangerous chemicals. This is where fire restoration services come in.

Professional fire restoration services know how to handle fire, smoke, and water damage. They can work closely with your insurance company to expedite the claims process.

Hiring experienced fire and smoke damage restoration companies allows you to navigate this challenging period more smoothly.

Restoration companies employ trained cleaners and specialized equipment to eliminate all traces of smoke from your house.

Rebuilding the Damaged Area

Follow this quick post-house fire checklist.

Safety assessment
Obtaining necessary permits
Design and planning
Restoration company selection
Budgeting and financing
Materials and supplies procurement
Demolition and debris removal
Foundation and structural work
Utilities and infrastructure

Safety assessment ensures the site is safe for workers and residents while permits and approvals are obtained from local authorities.

Collaborate with architects to create a new floor plan, and remember to select contractors who are experienced with fire restoration.

The Process of Selling Fire Damaged Property to a Cash Buyer

The process of getting a cash offer for a burned house is pretty much the same as any property type. However, it is best if you can contact your home insurance company first before getting an offer for your house after a fire. Your National home insurance company can help assess the extent of the fire damage as well as the repair costs. This can help you decide whether selling a house as-is to a cash buyer is really the right path to take. Once you have decided that you really want to get a cash offer, here are the next steps you should take.

Important note: This doesn't apply to all cash buying companies.

1. Request a Cash Offer

You can easily find cash buyers in your National area by searching online. Once you found a reputable cash buyer, head over to their website to fill out a form or give them a call to ask for a cash offer. Most cash buyers and real estate investors give no-obligation cash offers so you can still ask other cash buying companies how much they can buy your fire-damaged property. If you are unsure about the background of a cash buyer, you can always ask them for proof of their source of funds.

2. Welcome the Cash Buyer into Your Home

The cash buyer or real estate investor may want to check your fire-damaged property for the repairs and improvements it needs, especially its roofing, walls, foundation, etc. You won't have to pay for these repairs when selling a National house to them, but experienced home buyers or real estate investors consider repair costs to make an accurate cash offer.

3. Review the Contract and Sign

Once you accept the cash buyer's offer on your fire-damaged home, they would furnish a sales contract and send it to you electronically. You will be given time to go over the terms and ask questions. After everything is settled, sign the contract to make the deal with the National cash home buyer official.

4. Closing

During closing, expect less paperwork since there are no lenders involved. After you have signed the minimal necessary paperwork and the National deed is transferred to the cash buyer's name, you'll get your cash in your bank account. If you aren't confident attending the closing by yourself, bring a real estate attorney with you.

5. Set Your Preferred Day to Move-Out

If the property has minor fire damage and you are still living in it, communicate to the cash home buyer when you want to move out. This is also a good time to ask for a sale-leaseback agreement if you don't have a place to crash on while you are still looking for a new National home.

Emotional Recovery: Coping with Loss and Trauma

This section explores coping strategies and support for those navigating this challenging path toward healing and renewal.

Dealing with Emotional Trauma

House fires can be emotionally draining and challenging, leaving deep emotional scars. Even a small house fire can have a devastating effect on most homeowners. It's perfectly normal to feel that way.

To manage trauma and stress caused by the blaze, prioritize emotional support, self-care, financial management, and future planning.

Seek medical attention or help from a mental health professional if necessary. Acknowledge your emotions, such as shock, anger, sadness, and anxiety, and allow yourself to feel and process them.

Make financial and practical considerations by understanding your insurance coverage and managing expenses. Plan for the future and be patient with yourself, as emotional recovery is gradual.

Seeking Support: Counselors and Support Groups

Lean on your support network, such as neighbors, friends, or family. Consider joining support groups for a safe place to work through the trauma.

To find a counselor, search for mental health professionals specializing in trauma, grief, and loss.

Look for support groups specifically designed for survivors or those who have experienced similar traumas.

Peer support can provide a unique perspective and emotional connection. Attend regular meetings, share and listen to others' stories, and learn coping strategies.

Remember to continue practicing self-care activities and strategies outside of sessions. Take a step by seeking support after a house fire to begin healing and rebuilding your life after the event.

Preparing for the Future: Fire Safety and Prevention Measures

The section discusses practical tips for creating a safe place and minimizing fire risks.

Installing Fire Safety Equipment

Fire safety equipment includes smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire-resistant building materials.

When rebuilding your home, prioritize using fire-resistant building materials, such as insulation, doors, and coatings, to protect structural integrity from further risk.

Remember to also make a fire safety plan. It should outline evacuation routes, assembly points, and procedures for notifying emergency services.

Regular Checks and Maintenance

Regularly inspect and maintain your systems to ensure the equipment is in working order.

Documentation, compliance with codes and standards, emergency response planning, professional inspection, and budget considerations are essential.

Routine checks and maintenance of these systems are crucial for their reliability and effectiveness in preventing and responding to fires.

Case Study: Recovery Journey after a House Fire

"All the big decisions in life are before you," says survivor Gary Jones. Gary Allison Jones lost everything in the Woolsey Fire on November 8, 2018, causing rapid destruction in Agoura Hills.

He ignored evacuation warnings and was, unfortunately, trapped behind a metal gate. Despite the tragedy, Gary remains resilient and positive and is now focused on creating new memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? This section will help you make informed decisions and take meaningful steps toward recovery.

How Long Does the Recovery Process Take After a House Fire?

The delay to move back after fire can alter significantly depending on the extent of the fire damage and any water damage.

It can take several months to over a year to mentally recover and fully recover your property to pre-loss condition after a significant fire.

What Items Do I Need Immediately After a House Fire?

After a house fire, some items you may need immediately include:

Identification documents (e.g., birth certificates, passports, social security cards)
Medications and medical supplies
Clothing and personal hygiene items
Phone and charger
Home insurance information
Important financial documents
Cash or debit/credit cards
Essential contact numbers
Basic toiletries and hygiene items

These items can help you address your immediate needs and begin the recuperation process.

How Do I Deal With the Emotional Trauma After a House Fire?

Dealing with emotional trauma after a house fire involves:

Seeking professional help from therapists or counselors.
Connecting with support groups or friends.
Allowing yourself to grieve and process emotions.
Practicing self-care through mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Focusing on rebuilding routines and a sense of normalcy.
Maintaining social connections.
Being patient with yourself and acknowledging your feelings.

How Do I Begin the Process of Rebuilding My House After a Fire?

Here are the steps to recover and rebuild your house after a fire:

Contact your homeowners' insurance company to report the incident and initiate the claims process.
Hire a qualified fire restoration company to assess the fire damage and create a restoration plan.
Secure any necessary permits and approvals from local authorities.
Work with restoration services to develop a detailed timeline and budget for the rebuilding project.
Begin the restoration process, including debris removal, structural damage repair, and renovations.
Communicate regularly with the restoration company, and monitor progress throughout the entire process.
Ensure the rebuilt home meets safety and code requirements.

How Do I Ensure This Doesn't Happen in the Future?

To prevent a future house fire:

Install and maintain a fire detector and smoke alarm.
Keep a fire extinguisher in accessible locations and know how to use it.
Practice safe cooking and kitchen habits.
Store flammable materials and chemicals properly.
Develop and practice an escape plan with your family.
Conduct regular home drills.
Avoid smoking indoors.
Use candles and open flames cautiously.
Educate family members about safety and prevention.

Conclusion

In the face of a devastating house fire, the path to recovery may seem daunting, but it's crucial to remember that you're not alone in this journey.

Now that we've discussed what to do after a house fire, you're aware of the critical steps, from keeping your loved ones safe and contacting authorities, to rebuilding and emotional recovery.

Remember to create a strategic plan to navigate this challenging chapter, and know that knowledge and preparedness can empower you to make the right decisions.

Following these steps and staying resilient can reclaim your own home, life, and sense of security.

In the face of adversity, remember that hope and help are always within reach, and you have the strength to overcome this chapter and build a brighter future.

National Resources

Selling a Fire Damaged House National
Selling Inherited Property National
Selling a House in Probate National
How to Sell a House by Owner National
How to Sell Rental Property National
Stop Foreclosure National

Selling a House during Divorce National
How to Sell a Hoarder House National
Can You Sell a Condemned House National?
Can You Sell a House in Foreclosure National?
How to Sell Rental Property with Tenants National
Taxes on Selling a House National

Free Offer Form

Author: Chris Charles

We buy fire damaged houses because we like taking on the challenge and making a win win for sellers looking to sell. We work with our partners nationwide and are experienced in dealing with the city if its already been condemned. Request a cash offer to have a chat with us today.