What to Do After a Fire

A house or apartment fire can be completely devastating for you and your family. After a fire, you may be so focused on recovery physically, mentally, and emotionally that you’re not even sure what steps to take next. Moving forward can feel intense and overwhelming after such a scary event. 

Once you’re in a safe place, it’s time to start moving forward on restoring your home and life. If you’re starting to worry about what to do after a fire, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about your next steps following a house fire. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

Getting back into your home is probably your first priority after a fire. Before you can move back in, you’ll need to start repairing any fire damage and cleaning your home. Your home insurance agent can point you in the right direction for resources in your area. 

If you’re wondering what to do after a house fire with no insurance, not all hope is lost! Even if your home’s damage isn’t covered, there are many organizations like your local disaster relief service that may be able to help after a fire. These organizations can help with repairs, cleaning, giving you a place to stay, and managing emotional trauma from the fire. 

Determine the Cause of the Fire

After a fire, the local fire department will likely file a fire incident or investigation report. You will need to submit this document to your landlord or mortgage company to report the fire. This document may also be necessary to file your insurance claim. 

If anyone in your family sustained injuries from the fire, this report could help determine who is liable for apartment fire injuries. Depending on what caused the fire, your landlord or property manager may be deemed responsible for the fire. Your lawyer will need a copy of the fire investigation report to proceed with a case against your apartment management company. 

Recover Your Possessions

Before you begin recovering your possessions, you will need the approval of the local fire department to enter your home. After a fire, it’s important to first locate important documents like titles, deeds, licenses, and certificates. If any of these items have been damaged, replace them as soon as possible. 

As you assess the damage to your home and items, make a note of the items and approximate value for the insurance company. Touch burnt items, money, and parts of your home as little as possible. As you rebuild, save all receipts to include in your insurance claim and for tax purposes. 

Focus on Your Mental Health

While there is plenty on your plate to get your life back to normal, it’s important to focus on you and your family’s physical and mental health. Fires can cause severe trauma, so don’t forget to prioritize speaking to a therapist, counselor, or support group. The changes and uncertainty that come with a fire can be especially challenging for children, so make sure your family’s healing comes first after a fire. 

Stay with family or friends and prioritize rest and recovery at this time. Remember, you don’t have to endure this alone. 

Know What to Do After a Fire

After a fire, what to do to get back to normal may be unclear. However, with support and plenty of rest, your family will recover. If you still have questions about what to do after a fire, contact your local American Red Cross for extra help. 

As life gets back to normal, check out our other blog posts for engaging articles on every topic.