A house fire turns life upside down in minutes. In the hours and days that follow, it can be hard to know what to do first. This guide walks through the most important steps for the first 72 hours, so you can protect your family, your property and your recovery.
Your safety comes first. Do not re-enter a fire-damaged home until the fire department tells you it is safe. Hidden hot spots, structural damage and smoke can still be dangerous.
Hours 1 to 24: safety and shelter
- Get care if needed. Smoke inhalation can be serious even if you feel okay. Get checked if you have any symptoms.
- Find a safe place to stay. Family, friends or your insurer may be able to help. The American Red Cross provides emergency help after home fires: call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
- Call your insurance company. Start your claim right away. Ask whether your policy covers temporary housing (often called “additional living expenses”). Write down your claim number and the name of everyone you speak with.
- Get the fire report. Ask the fire department how to obtain a copy; your insurer will likely need it.
Hours 24 to 48: secure and document
- Secure the property. Your insurer may require you to board up windows and doors and cover roof damage to prevent further loss. Keep receipts.
- Photograph everything before you move or throw anything away, and make a list of damaged items.
- Check on utilities. Don’t turn gas, electricity or water back on yourself. Let the utility company or a licensed professional inspect them first.
- Throw out exposed food, medicine and cosmetics. Items exposed to heat, smoke or firefighting water may be unsafe.
Hours 48 to 72: start the paperwork
- Notify your mortgage lender or landlord.
- Arrange mail forwarding or hold mail with the U.S. Postal Service.
- Start replacing important documents: driver’s licenses and IDs through the BMV, Social Security cards through the Social Security Administration, and birth certificates through the Ohio Department of Health or your county.
- Contact your employer, and your children’s schools, about what happened.
- Keep every receipt for clothing, food, lodging and supplies.
Watch out for scams
Unfortunately, some people target families after disasters. Be cautious about contractors who knock on your door, demand large payments upfront or pressure you to sign right away. Check licenses and references, get written estimates, and talk with your insurance adjuster before signing a contract.
You don’t have to do this alone
Recovering from a fire is exhausting, both practically and emotionally. Wings of Grace can help with supplies, cleanup, navigating next steps and encouragement along the way. Request help here or call 216-534-3052.