FIRST 24 Hours After a Fire: Checklist & Next Steps

• Wait for clearance from the fire department before re-entry; watch for structural hazards, hotspots, and electrical risks.
• Call your insurer to open a claim and request your claim number. Ask about temporary housing coverage (ALE).
• Arrange emergency board-up/tarping to secure doors, windows, and the roof to prevent weather and unauthorized entry.
• If safe, shut off utilities (gas/water/electric). Do not turn them back on until inspected by qualified personnel.
• Document the scene: take wide and close-up photos/videos of all affected rooms, exterior, and personal property.
• Care for people and pets first: medication, food, water, warm clothing, and safe shelter; avoid smoke-contaminated areas.
• Avoid touching soot-covered surfaces. Soot is acidic and spreads; wear gloves/mask if you must retrieve essentials.

• Contact a licensed restoration firm for emergency mitigation (water extraction, debris removal, odor/soot containment).
• Request initial written estimate + scope of work; confirm they are IICRC-certified and can bill your insurance directly.
• Move unaffected valuables to a clean area; separate salvageable from non-salvageable items for the adjuster.
• Ventilate when approved by firefighters/contractors; use air movers/HEPA filtration if provided by professionals.
• Do NOT wash painted walls, carpet, or upholstered furniture yourself—improper cleaning can set soot permanently.
• Secure critical documents: IDs, insurance policy, titles, financial records; store in a clean, dry folder.

• Meet your adjuster (virtual or on-site). Share your photos/videos and an initial itemized list of losses.
• Ask about approvals for pack-out/contents cleaning, textiles restoration, and electronics evaluation.
• Begin a loss journal: dates, calls, decisions, and expenses; save all receipts for meals, lodging, and supplies (ALE).
• Plan temporary housing if the home is uninhabitable (hotel/short-term rental); confirm coverage limits with your insurer.
• Discuss deodorization and corrosion control timeline (soot can corrode metals and electronics within hours).
• Coordinate utility inspections before reactivation; schedule licensed electrician/HVAC/plumber as needed.

This checklist is general information, not a substitute for instructions from fire officials, licensed contractors, or your insurer. Always follow local laws and safety guidance.