Key facts: What to do after a house fire
- The U.S. Fire Administration notes that figuring out the first step and whom to call ranks among the hardest parts of recovering after a home fire [1].
- Food, drinks and medicine exposed to heat, smoke or soot should be thrown out.
- Most homeowners policies expect you to protect the property from further damage after a loss [2].
- Water-damaged materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold [3].
Short answer
The short answer: safety, then calls, then protection
After a house fire, do things in this order: make sure everyone is safe and accounted for, wait for the fire department to release the property, call your insurer, secure the house against weather and intruders, and then begin documenting and cleaning up. Most mistakes after a fire come from doing these out of order, such as going back in too soon or throwing things away before they are photographed.
The U.S. Fire Administration points out that the hardest part for many people is simply figuring out the first step and whom to phone [1]. The checklist below is meant to answer that, and the fire damage FAQ collects short answers to the questions that follow.
First 24 hours
The first 24 hours after a house fire
- 1
Account for everyone
Make sure every person and pet is out and accounted for. Get medical help for anyone hurt or who breathed smoke.
- 2
Wait for release
Stay out until Dallas Fire-Rescue says the building is safe to enter. Hidden hot spots and weakened floors are real risks [4].
- 3
Ask about utilities
Find out whether gas, power and water were shut off. Do not turn them back on yourself; if you smell gas, call Atmos Energy from outside [5].
- 4
Find a place to stay
If the house is not livable, arrange somewhere safe for the night. The American Red Cross helps people displaced by home fires [6].
- 5
Call your insurer
Report the fire, get a claim number and ask what they need from you and whether they cover temporary housing.
- 6
Secure the property
Arrange board-up and tarping so rain, animals and intruders stay out.
Grab list
What to retrieve if you are allowed back in briefly
Only with permission from the fire department, and only from safe areas.
- Identification and documentsDriver's licenses, passports, insurance policies, birth certificates.
- Medications and medical devicesBut do not use medicine that was exposed to heat or smoke.
- Phones, chargers, wallets, keysIncluding spare car keys.
- Glasses, hearing aids, denturesThings you need every day.
- Irreplaceable small itemsJewelry, small heirlooms, family photos that are easy to reach.
Documentation
Photograph before anything changes
Before anything is cleaned, moved or thrown out, photograph and video every room, including ceilings, closets, the attic opening, the garage and the outside of the house. Photograph damaged belongings where they sit. These images are the record of the damage for your insurance claim, and once cleanup begins they cannot be recreated.
Start a notebook or a phone note for everything: who you spoke to, when, what they said, claim numbers and receipts. That record saves a great deal of time later. Our insurance adjuster guide covers how to organize it.
Calls to make
Who to call after a house fire
Keep this list with you for the first few days.
| Who | Why |
|---|---|
| Your insurance company or agent | Open the claim, ask about temporary housing and next steps |
| Your mortgage lender | They are usually listed on the policy and need to know |
| Atmos Energy and your electric provider | Gas and power safety and restoration |
| A restoration contractor | Board-up, tarping, water extraction and cleanup |
| Your employer and children's schools | Time off and temporary arrangements |
| Banks and credit card companies | If cards or checks were lost or damaged |
| Post office | Hold or forward mail |
Protect the house
Protecting what is left
Firefighters often break windows and cut roof openings to vent heat and smoke. Those openings need covering quickly. Covering the openings keeps out rain, animals and people, and most homeowners policies expect reasonable steps to prevent further damage [2].
Water is the next threat. Firefighting water soaks floors, walls and belongings, and in Dallas heat, mold can start growing within a day or two if materials stay wet [3]. Water extraction and drying should start as soon as the house is released.
Avoid these
Mistakes to avoid in the first days
Common instincts that make things worse.
- Going back in too soonWait for official clearance.
- Turning on utilities yourselfLeave gas, power and water to the utility and qualified technicians.
- Running the air conditioningIt spreads smoke residue through every room.
- Wiping soot with waterIt smears residue into paint; see our soot guide.
- Throwing things out before photographing themDocument everything first and check with your insurer.
- Eating or using exposed food and medicineDiscard anything exposed to heat, smoke, soot or firefighting water.
Week one
The rest of the first week
Once the house is secure, the restoration contractor will usually assess the damage, extract water and start drying, and begin planning smoke and soot cleaning. Your adjuster will schedule an inspection. Belongings that can be saved may be packed out for cleaning.
Use this time to set up temporary housing, replace key documents, and build your list of damaged belongings. Look after yourself and your family too. Fires are traumatic, and children in particular may need extra reassurance. The Red Cross and USFA both point to resources for emotional recovery [6] [1].
Dallas notes
Dallas-specific things to know
If the house will need structural repairs, rebuilding will usually require permits from the City of Dallas Building Inspection division [7]. If your home is in a historic or conservation district, exterior repairs may need review as well; photograph original features before board-up. In summer, heat inside a closed-up house speeds both mold growth and odor, so drying and cleaning should not wait.
FAQ
After a house fire: questions
When can I go back into my house after a fire?
Only when the fire department says it is safe. Even then, wear sturdy shoes and a mask, avoid sagging ceilings and wet electrical areas, and do not stay long until utilities are confirmed safe.
Should I throw away food after a fire?
Yes, discard food, drinks and medicines exposed to heat, smoke, soot or firefighting water, and anything in a refrigerator that lost power. Photograph and list them first.
Who pays for a hotel after a house fire?
Many homeowners and renters policies include additional living expenses while your home is unlivable. Ask your insurer right away, and keep every receipt.
Is boarding up the windows really necessary?
Usually yes. Policies commonly expect you to prevent further damage, and open windows and roofs invite rain and intruders.
Can I start cleaning myself?
You can do limited things, like removing salvageable belongings from wet areas, but avoid wiping soot or running the air system. Professional cleaning methods prevent smearing and spreading residue.