What to Do if a Fire Destroys My Home: House Fire Checklist

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what to do after a house fire checklist and resources for homeowners

A house fire can be a harrowing experience. They have the potential to cause mental and physical pain, injury, loss, and suffering.

When shouldering such a burden, setting clear priorities can be difficult. 

We hope that this checklist for homeowners of fire damaged houses will help you find a safe path forward.

We’ve worked with many owners of fire-damaged homes, and witnessed the challenges they endure. Fortunately there are a number of resources available to help.

Our checklist is available below; you can copy/paste it or download it as an image (JPG).

Moving Forward After Your Home is Damaged By Fire

After a potentially traumatic event, it’s important to set clear goals and allow yourself the space and support you need to move forward.

Our checklist is designed to make setting and understanding some of those goals as simple as possible.

Caring For Yourself So You Can Take Care of Everything Else

Taking care of your physical and mental health when recovering from a crisis is what allows you to take care of everything else.

It may be wise to schedule an appointment with your doctor and/or mental health worker. This also means having a safe place to live and food to eat. 

Health HelpFinancial HelpHousing Help
Recovering from a house fire can take a toll on your physical and mental health. 

Don’t delay seeking medical attention for any immediate injuries.

Consider talking to a doctor and/or counselor/therapist to help discover and treat any less-noticeable impacts.
Financial recovery can feel devastating after a fire, but staying on top of it will help you manage everything else. 

Reach out to local programs, government resources, or nonprofits that help house fire victims get back on their feet.
Finding a safe and stable place to stay is a top priority for recovering physically and mentally. 

Temporary housing options such as hotels, shelters, or staying with family or friends, can provide immediate relief while you plan your next steps.

Free Checklist For Homeowners After a House Fire

  1. Care For Yourself So You Can Take Care of Everything Else
  2. Secure Your Home and Determine if it is Salvageable and Safe
  3. Contact Your House Fire Insurance or Homeowners Insurance Company
  4. Make Short-Term Living Arrangements
  5. Reach Out to Local Support Systems
  6. Organize Salvageable and Undamaged Possessions
  7. Consider Selling the Damaged House or Rebuilding/Restoring
  8. Work With Professionals to Make the Process Easier
Fire Damage House Buyer Checklist Infographic
Click image to view/save larger version

Now we’ll dive deeper into each item on the list, with easy steps to take along the way.

Secure Your Home and Determine if it is Salvageable and Safe

Have a licensed professional inspect the property to assess structural damage and identify safety concerns. For example, structural damage is not always immediately visible to the untrained eye. Securing the property so that no one can enter is critical to preventing a bad situation from getting worse.

How can I make sure my fire-damaged property is secure?

Secure the property with boards, tarps, locks, or fencing to prevent further damage and unauthorized access.

Is it safe to live in a fire-damaged house?

Living in a fire-damaged home can pose serious health and safety risks. It’s best to stay elsewhere until repairs are completed.

Contact Your House Fire Insurance or Homeowners Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Document all damage thoroughly with photos and detailed descriptions.

What if I don’t have fire insurance?

You may find assistance from local charities, community organizations, or disaster relief programs.

Where can I get help after a house fire?

Organizations like the Red Cross, FEMA, and local nonprofits offer resources and support for fire victims.

Make Short-Term Living Arrangements

Finding temporary housing quickly is crucial for stability and peace of mind. Look into hotels, extended-stay options, or emergency shelters.

What if I can’t find a place to stay on my own?

Local shelters, churches, and social services can often help with emergency housing. If you’re struggling to find help, ask friends and family as well as local online communities like Facebook groups.

Where can I find help with short-term living arrangements?

Check with organizations like the Red Cross or local government programs for immediate housing solutions.

Reach Out to Local Support Systems

Community resources can offer emotional support, guidance, and practical help during recovery. Even if you have your immediate needs covered, it may be good to connect with local support groups so you know what they offer in case your needs change.

How do I find community support?

Search online for local disaster relief groups in your area or contact your city’s emergency management office.

How do I talk to my family and friends?

Be open about your needs and feelings. Lean on your loved ones for emotional and logistical support.

Organize Salvageable and Undamaged Possessions

Carefully sort through belongings to separate what can be saved from what is damaged beyond repair. This may be physically and emotionally challenging, so consider planning to take breaks and inviting someone to help you.

Where can my pets stay if my temporary housing won’t allow them?

Pet shelters or boarding facilities can provide safe housing for your animals.

Where can I temporarily store undamaged and salvageable items?

Consider renting a storage unit or asking friends or family to store items for you temporarily.

Consider Selling the Damaged House or Rebuilding/Restoring

Evaluate your financial and emotional readiness to either repair your home or sell it and start fresh. There are usually several key factors to consider, which will depend on your unique circumstances.

How do I sell my fire-damaged house?

Work with a company like Fire Damage House Buyer that specializes in purchasing fire-damaged properties quickly and hassle-free.

How do I rebuild and restore my home?

Hire experienced contractors who specialize in fire restoration to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Work With Professionals to Make the Process Easier

Enlisting services from experts can save time, reduce stress, and ensure quality results. Restoring buildings from fire damage is specialized work, so it’s particularly important to work with qualified professionals.

Do I need to hire professionals for cleaning, repair, and restoration?

Yes, professionals have the tools and expertise to handle fire damage safely and effectively.

Who can help with cleaning, repairs, and restoration?

Look for licensed restoration companies with strong reviews and experience in fire damage recovery.

Who can help me sell my fire damaged house?

Fire Damage House Buyer offers a fast and straightforward solution for selling fire-damaged properties.

Full List of Resources For Fire-Damaged Homeowners and

Because many programs operate at the local and state level, the best way to find the right resources is to search terms like “disaster assistance” or “emergency assistance” with your city and/or state name on search engines like Google. 

Here’s an example of what Google shows for “disaster assistance Wisconsin”:

Disaster assistance Wisconsin google search result screenshot

Another good place to look is in local online communities such as Facebook groups and popular local pages, hashtags, or communities on any platform. Most local groups will help you find the best resources in your area. You can also use the search function in Facebook groups to see if anyone has asked a similar question recently.

Links to National and Local Resources

  • DisasterAssistance.gov is designed to help disaster survivors apply to FEMA and find other resources
  • American Red Cross has local offices in most areas that may be able to help in a variety of ways
  • FindHelp.org contains an accessible database of local resources across the United States
  • The Salvation Army has chapters in many communities offering multiple types of assistance

Remember: Most communities have local government and nonprofit organizations that are unique to the area, so it’s important to search locally and ask other residents for guidance.

If you’re looking for help selling a fire-damaged house, you can contact us any time.

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