Before filing a claim
What to Do After a House Fire
Practical first steps for the days after a residential fire, from re-entry to documenting losses.
Editorial status: draft — awaiting expert review. General information only.
Wait for clearance
Do not re-enter until the fire department confirms it is safe. Structural damage, hot spots and air quality can pose hidden risks.
Secure shelter and essentials
Arrange somewhere safe to stay. Ask your insurer whether your policy includes additional living expenses and what receipts they need.
Get the fire report
Ask the responding department how to obtain the incident report. Insurers commonly request it.
Secure the property
Openings may need to be boarded up to prevent weather damage or unauthorized entry.
Begin a contents inventory
- Go room by room.
- List items, approximate age and where purchased if known.
- Use photos, bank statements and online order history to jog memory.
Checklist
- Fire department clearance
- Temporary housing arranged
- Fire report requested
- Insurer contacted
- Property secured
- Inventory started
Official resources
This guide is general educational information, not insurance, legal or financial advice. Your policy, insurer and state rules determine what applies to your situation.