What To Do After a House Fire

Fires are frustrating and stressful, so it’s normal to worry about what to do after a house fire. From how to secure a home after a fire to how to clean up the damage, we cover what to do if you’ve had a fire. Plus, we share a few tips to make the process a little smoother.

How to Secure a Home After a Fire

The first thing you should do after a house fire is secure your home. The goal is to make sure the fire doesn’t flare up again, keep out animals and weather, and protect your home from vandals and looters. Here are some steps you can take to secure your home after a fire:

• Prevent flare-ups: If the fire department did not respond to the fire, you should take steps to prevent flare-ups. Even if you think the fire is out, spray the entire area with a fire extinguisher again. Then check that there are no glowing coals or heat coming from the ashes. If there are, continue to spray it until they go out.
• Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the fire and ask for their guidance on how to secure your home. They can offer specific recommendations to keep your home safe and explain what type of security options are covered. If you have any questions about your insurance policy, discuss them with your insurance agent.
• Board up broken windows and doors: Cover broken windows and doors with plywood to prevent further damage or unauthorized access. You should use at least three-quarter-inch marine-grade plywood to secure damaged windows and doors. Instead of screwing the plywood to the outside of your home, use interior clamps or screw the plywood to the inside of your home. This prevents unwelcome visitors from gaining access to your home by just removing the plywood.
• Tarp the roof: If the fire burned through the roof, cover the opening with a heavy-duty plastic tarp to prevent leaks and keep animals and pests out. To secure the tarps to the roof, lay a 2×4 across the top of the tarp and screw it into the roof. Repeat this with a second 2×4 on the bottom. You may need to use more 2x4s if the hole is especially large.
• Remove valuables: If you cannot safely stay in your home, you should remove any valuables. Store jewelry, heirlooms, important documents, and other values in a secure location until you can make repairs after the fire.
• Turn off utilities: Contact your utility companies to have your gas, water, and electricity turned off to prevent further damage or accidents. This is not necessary in all cases, but it will protect you if the fire was caused by either electrical or gas systems.
• Hire a restoration company: Unless the damage is minor or you are experienced in DIY home improvements, you should hire a restoration company. They will help with the cleanup the damage and repair your home to ensure it is safe to live in again.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your home and belongings from further damage or theft after a fire.

What Are the Biggest Risks After a House Fire?

The biggest risks after a house fire are flame and smoke damage, structural damage, and water damage. After a house fire, here are the biggest risks you should consider:

• Smoke inhalation: Smoke inhalation is a significant risk during and after a fire. Even after the fire is out, there may still be harmful fumes and chemicals present in the air. Wear protective gear if you need to enter the home.
• Smoke and soot damage: Smoke and soot released during the fire can stain and ruin things throughout your home. They are even likely to spread much further than the flame, causing damage in other rooms.
• Flame damage: From walls and furniture to personal items and electronics, flames can burn, char, and melt many different things inside your home.
• Structural damage: A fire can weaken the structural integrity of your home, making it unstable and unsafe to enter. If you’re unsure about the safety of your home, do not enter until it has been inspected by a professional.
• Electrical hazards: The electrical wiring in your home may be damaged during a fire, creating a risk of electrocution. Have an electrician inspect your home before restoring power.
• Water damage: Water used to extinguish the fire can cause water damage and create a risk of mold growth. The risk of water damage goes up if the fire department responded to the fire. It’s important to dry out the home as soon as possible and have it inspected for mold.
• Exposure to hazardous materials: Fires can release hazardous materials into the air, such as asbestos or lead. If your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead paint, which can be harmful when disturbed.
• Theft or looting: After a fire, your home may be vulnerable to theft or looting, especially if it’s left unsecured. Take steps to secure your home and consider hiring security personnel if necessary.
• Emotional trauma: Experiencing a house fire can be traumatic and emotionally distressing. Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional to help you cope with the aftermath of the fire.

By being aware of these risks and taking appropriate steps to address them, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe after a house fire.

How to Cleanup a Home After a Fire

These steps outline what to do after a house fire to clean up and repair your home.

1. Document the Damage: You should always document the damage for your insurance. Even if you think your insurance won’t cover the damage, take pictures or video.
2. Secure Your Home: We covered this above, but you should always secure your home after a fire. While you may not think it’s necessary if you are staying in your home, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Remove and Dry Water: Firefighting efforts will likely leave water behind that can ruin walls, cabinets, carpeting, and other materials. Use pumps, wet/dry vacuums, fans, and dehumidifiers to dry any water in your home.
4. Throw Away Damaged Materials: Remove and dispose of any item that has been damaged beyond repair by water or fire. This includes flooring, walls, ceilings, cabinets, and countertops, as well as furniture and other personal items.
5. Clean Up Smoke and Soot: Smoke and soot can permanently stain surfaces after just a few hours of exposure. Use a shop vacuum to suck up soot and ash. Then clean smoke stains with equal parts vinegar and water.
6. Ventilate and Deodorize: Smoke smells can linger, so ventilate the area as soon as cleanup is complete. Wait until after you’ve finished cleaning, as the air movement will allow the smoke and soot to spread even further.
7. Cleaning Carpeting, Upholstery, and Fabric: You can use a carpet or upholstery cleaner to remove smoke and soot stains from carpeting and furniture. In some cases, you may need to send items out to be dry-cleaned or hire a professional cleaner.
8. Sanitize to Prevent Mold: If the area was exposed to water, disinfect the area with a solution of bleach and water. You can wipe down small items, but it’s more effective to spray larger areas.
9. Rebuild Your Home: Finally, you can rebuild your home. Every fire is different, but this usually includes repairing damaged walls or installing new cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After a House Fire

Fires are traumatic and stressful, so it’s natural to have questions. These are some of the most common questions we get about what to do after a house fire. If you still have questions, call us today, and one of our on-call fire restoration technicians can assist you with your problem.

Is it safe to enter your home after a fire?

Yes, it is usually safe to enter your home after a fire. The main exception would be if you had a large house fire. If you called the fire department, they will let you know when it is safe to re-enter your home.

Can you live in a house with smoke damage?

In most cases, you can live in a house with smoke damage. However, those with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions may be uncomfortable until the smoke is properly cleaned up.

Is it safe to sleep in a house after a small fire?

Yes, it is safe to sleep in a house after a small fire in most cases. The exception would be if the flames damaged doors or windows or if you have respiratory conditions like allergies or asthma.

Where should you stay after a house fire?

If you cannot or choose not to stay in your home after a fire, you can stay in a hotel or with friends or family. If you are filing an insurance claim, it may even cover the cost of temporary housing.

If you need help with what to do after a house fire, Restoration Local is here to help. Call 1-877-941-2788 now to talk with a certified fire damage cleanup specialist. Not only do we offer a free in-person estimate, but we can assist with how to secure a home after a fire.