What To Do and Not Do After a House Fire in Hendersonville or Anywhere in Middle Tennessee

A house fire is one of the most devastating experiences a homeowner can face. From the immediate danger to the long-term emotional and financial toll, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. But knowing what to do after a house fire can help you regain control, protect your property, and start the recovery process faster.

Whether you live in Hendersonville, Nashville, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, these essential tips will guide you through the crucial first steps and help you avoid costly mistakes along the way.

What to Do After a House Fire: First Steps Matter

After a house fire is put out, the smoke has cleared, and the fire department is gone, you are left with a disaster on your hands. In the aftermath of a fire–no matter how big or small–it’s imperative to know what to do and what to avoid doing.

When the flames are finally out and the fire department has cleared the scene, your first instinct may be to re-enter your home. Don’t. The structural damage, lingering heat, and toxic smoke residue can pose serious risks. Instead, follow this checklist to begin your recovery journey:

1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety First

Once everyone is safe and accounted for, seek temporary shelter. Even if the damage seems minor, your home may be structurally unsound or filled with dangerous smoke particles.

2. Call Your Insurance Company Immediately

Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider as soon as possible to report the fire. Share:

• The date and time of the fire
• Location
• Suspected cause (if known)
• Description of damages
• Temporary housing needs

Ask for a copy of the fire report, which may be available from your local fire department. This document is vital for filing claims.

3. Document All Fire and Smoke Damage

Taking pictures is a must! After a house fire, most people are so overwhelmed with the situation, and the loss, they may forget to photograph everything right away before there’s further damage or items are removed. As soon as it’s safe to do so, take as many pictures of the damaged property as possible.As soon as it’s safe, take photos and videos of all affected areas. Document:

• Structural damage
• Burnt or smoke-damaged items
• Soot-covered furniture or appliances
• Water-damaged areas from firefighting efforts

This documentation helps speed up the insurance process and ensures fair compensation.

4. Secure the Property

Board up broken windows or doors if needed to prevent theft or further weather damage. Some restoration companies (like PuroClean) offer emergency board-up services.

5. Find Temporary Housing

If your home is uninhabitable, ask your insurance agent about Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage. This can cover hotel costs, meals, and temporary housing during the fire damage restoration process. As soon as possible after the home fire, you will need to find somewhere to stay during the recovery process.

6. Start the Insurance Claims Process

Fill out your insurance claim form completely, but don’t sign it until all information on the form is correct. Also, be sure to attach supporting documents listed in the policy. Your insurance company will not make full payment until all required documentation has been submitted. Provide:

• Contractor estimates
• Proof of payment
• Temporary housing cost receipts
• Photos of damage
• Replacement cost breakdowns

7. Call a Fire Damage Restoration Professional

Don’t wait until you lose everything. Call a professional team like PuroClean of Hendersonville, so they can:

• Assess the full extent of fire and smoke damage
• Prevent secondary damage from soot, mold, or water
• Begin cleanup immediately to salvage your home and belongings

Smoke damage continues to worsen the longer it’s left untreated, so time is of the essence.

Many states have provisions for financial assistance to individuals as a result of a catastrophe. Local disaster relief services may be able to help after the fire. Check with your local disaster relief agency or American Red Cross to learn more. Under certain conditions, the federal government provides financial assistance to individuals who have suffered a loss due to a catastrophe.

What NOT to Do After a House Fire

In stressful moments, it’s easy to make well-meaning decisions that could cause more harm than good. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Do Not Re-Enter Until Cleared

There are many factors to consider after a house fire that could make your home dangerous. For example, electricity could be live, the house may be unstable due to structural damage, the building exterior might be at risk of collapse, or there may be asbestos contamination (ask your insurance agent for advice). Don’t go back into your house for any reason, even to get pets or personal items, until you have contacted your insurance company and/or agent. This is extremely important. A lot of damage can occur between the time you leave and when you return to see what’s left.

2. Don’t Throw Anything Away

Do not throw away anything. You might be surprised that some items retain their value after they’ve been salvaged and restored!

Your professional restoration company can help you make this determination. It’s also important not to throw anything away without consulting with your adjuster. You might be tossing away something that’s needed to prove your claim, such as photos and receipts. The adjuster may take your word for certain items (furniture, appliances, etc.), but will probably want to see invoices or receipts for the cost of others. Even heavily damaged items might be salvageable. Fire damage restoration experts can often restore:

• Clothing
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Sentimental items

Plus, your insurance adjuster may require photos or physical evidence for claims.

3. Do Not Start Repairs on Your Own

Never begin restoration work until your insurer gives the green light. Unauthorized repairs could result in denied claims. Your insurance company should already be familiar with the extent of damage to your home, but it’s important that they authorize any repairs before you begin work. Otherwise, you may end up paying for something twice–and even if you don’t, your insurer could later deny payment for restoration services.

4. Don’t Cancel Utility Services Immediately

Keeping utility accounts active can help during temporary relocation and repairs. However, do notify providers if lines were damaged, and consult your insurer or restoration company about safe handling. To prevent contamination caused by sewer gases, keep drains closed with plumber’s tape or a similar adhesive product available at local hardware stores.

5. Do Not Ignore Emotional Recovery

A house fire doesn’t just damage property—it takes a toll emotionally. Seek help from local support groups, counselors, or disaster recovery organizations.

How Fire Damage Restoration Works

After a house fire, restoration involves more than just rebuilding. It’s a complex process that addresses:

• Fire & smoke damage cleanup
• Water damage from firefighting
• Soot removal
• Structural drying
• Odor elimination
• Full reconstruction services

---

---

When to Call PuroClean of Hendersonville

If you’ve just experienced a house fire in Hendersonville or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, don’t face recovery alone.

At PuroClean of Hendersonville, we specialize in:

🔥 Fire and smoke damage restoration
💨 Smoke odor removal using ozone and thermal fogging
🧼 Smoke remediation and soot cleanup
🛠️ Full reconstruction and structural repairs
📄 Insurance coordination from start to finish

We serve homeowners, landlords, and property managers with fast response and compassionate service. No matter the size of your fire, our team is here to help restore what matters most.

After the Fire Department, Call PuroClean of Hendersonville at (615) 348-7200 for Your Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Needs!

Whether your home suffers damage due to fire, smoke, water, or mold, PuroClean of Hendersonville provides a prompt response time and puts the latest restoration technology to work, saving your home. Once your family is safe and the fire department has extinguished the flames, it’s time to contact PuroClean of Hendersonville. Our experts will work with you and your insurance agency during the restoration services to ensure everything meets your satisfaction. Call Us anytime, 24/7 at (615) 348-7200 If you’re searching for:

• Smoke damage cleaners near you in Hendersonville, TN
• Smoke remediation near you
• Fire and smoke damage restoration services in Middle Tennessee

Then, you’ve found the right team.

Don’t wait—call PuroClean of Hendersonville today for 24/7 emergency service.

Let’s bring your property—and peace of mind—back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions: What to Do After a House Fire

Q: How long after a house fire should I contact my insurance company?
A: Immediately. The sooner you file your claim, the faster your recovery will begin.

Q: Can I clean smoke damage myself?
A: Small surface stains? Maybe. But smoke damage is toxic and penetrates deep into materials. Professional smoke remediation is safer and more effective.

Q: What does fire smoke damage restoration include?
A: It includes removing soot, neutralizing odors, drying water-damaged areas, and full reconstruction if necessary.

Q: Can clothes or fabric items be saved after a house fire?
A: Yes. Specialized ozone treatment and dry cleaning can often restore smoke-damaged fabrics.

Q: Is smoke residue dangerous?
A: Yes. It can contain harmful toxins and carcinogens. Always wear gloves and a mask, or better yet, let professionals handle it.