A LA Homeowner’s Guide to Recovery: What to Do and NOT Do After a House Fire in Los Angeles

A house fire is a devastating and traumatic event, leaving behind not just physical damage but also emotional turmoil. In the immediate aftermath, it’s easy for homeowners in Victor Heights and the surrounding Los Angeles areas to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to even begin. The path to recovery can seem long and complicated, but by following a clear set of steps, you can navigate this difficult time with greater confidence and efficiency.

This guide from your local experts at PuroClean of Victor Heights will walk you through the crucial do’s and don’ts after a house fire, helping you protect your property and begin the restoration process safely.

After a house fire is put out, the smoke has cleared, 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.

In the first few hours and days after a fire, your home will likely suffer from extensive fire and smoke damage, as well as water damage. During this time, it’s best to hire a professional restoration company to thoroughly handle the restoration process. You certainly don’t want to cause further damage or worsen the already-devastating situation! PuroClean can assist with restoring salvageable damaged possessions and getting your property back to pre-loss condition.

While we want you to leave the restoration services to us, there are some things you can do right away following a house fire. This blog offers a house fire checklist with suggestions for what to attempt immediately after a fire and what to avoid.

The Immediate Aftermath: What to DO

The first hours and days after the fire are critical. Your actions during this time can significantly impact the safety of your family and the success of the restoration.

1. Prioritize Your Safety. This is the single most important step. Before you do anything else, ensure that you and your family are safe. Do not re-enter your home until the Los Angeles Fire Department gives you explicit permission. The structure may be compromised, and hidden dangers like hot spots, unstable ceilings, or hazardous materials could still be present.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately. As soon as you are in a safe location, call your insurance agent. The sooner you report the fire, the sooner the claims process can begin. Be prepared to provide them with as much information as possible, including the date of the fire, a preliminary description of the damage, and any immediate needs you have, such as temporary housing. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case who will guide you through the next steps, including assessing the damage and approving the restoration work.

3. Arrange for Temporary Accommodations. If your home is uninhabitable, you’ll need a safe place to stay. Most homeowner’s insurance policies include coverage for “Additional Living Expenses” (ALE), which can help pay for temporary housing, food, and other essential costs while your home is being restored. Ask your insurance company about this coverage and what they will reimburse.

4. Secure the Property. After the fire department has left and you have been given permission to approach the property, it’s crucial to secure your home to prevent further damage or theft. Do board up windows and doors and cover any holes in the roof with tarps. This helps protect the interior from weather elements and keeps out unauthorized individuals. Your insurance company or a professional restoration company like PuroClean of Victor Heights can assist with this emergency service.

5. Start a Detailed Inventory and Documentation. Once it is safe to enter, or even from a distance, begin to create a detailed inventory of damaged or destroyed items. Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of everything—from furniture and appliances to clothing and personal belongings. This visual evidence will be invaluable for your insurance claim. If you have a pre-fire home inventory, this is the time to retrieve it and share it with your insurance adjuster.

6. Keep a Log of All Expenses. As you start to incur costs—like hotel stays, meals, or new clothing—keep all of your receipts in a safe place. Your insurance company will need this documentation for reimbursement under your ALE coverage. A simple notebook or a dedicated folder can help you stay organized.

The Restoration Pitfalls: What NOT to DO

While the instinct to clean up and restore your home is strong, some actions can actually do more harm than good. Avoiding these common mistakes is just as important as following the right steps.

1. DO NOT Enter Without Permission. We can’t stress this enough. Re-entering your home prematurely puts you at serious risk. Fire-damaged structures are unstable, and the air can be filled with toxic smoke particles and soot. Wait for the fire department and your insurance adjuster to give the all-clear before setting foot inside.

2. DO NOT Turn on Utilities. Never, under any circumstances, turn on the electricity, gas, or water yourself. The fire may have damaged the wiring, pipes, or gas lines, and turning them on could cause another fire, an explosion, or a severe leak. Wait for a professional—a licensed electrician or plumber—to inspect and approve them for use.

3. DO NOT Try to Clean Up Soot and Smoke Damage Yourself. Soot and smoke residue are highly acidic and corrosive. Using improper cleaning methods, such as a regular household vacuum or standard cleaning products, can actually embed the soot deeper into surfaces, making it much harder for professionals to remove. You risk staining walls, carpets, and upholstery permanently. Leave this job to certified restoration experts who have the right equipment and training to safely and effectively clean and deodorize your home.

4. DO NOT Throw Away Damaged Items Prematurely. Before you discard any items, no matter how damaged they appear, get approval from your insurance adjuster. They need to see the extent of the damage to accurately assess your claim. Creating that detailed inventory and taking photos is key. Once the adjuster has given their approval, they will tell you what can be thrown away and what needs to be held for further inspection.

5. DO NOT Ignore Professional Advice. When your insurance adjuster and a professional restoration company like PuroClean of Victor Heights give you guidance, listen to them. They have extensive experience dealing with fire damage and know the most effective and safest ways to restore your property. Attempting to DIY a major restoration project can void parts of your insurance claim and lead to inadequate repairs that compromise your home’s long-term safety and value.

Other 5 Things To Do After a House Fire

1. Contact your insurance company or insurance agent immediately by telephone, in writing, or in-person to report the loss and begin the claim process. Make sure that you have all pertinent information about the date and time of the fire, location, cause (if known), amount of damage done to your home and/or its contents, plus any other factors related to your claim. A lot of this information is included in the fire report. You can obtain a copy from your local fire department. Keep in mind that this fire report may not be available due to specific fire causes or state regulations.
2. 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.
3. 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 (examples: receipts for temporary housing costs; contractor estimates plus proof of payment). Your insurance company will not make full payment until all required documentation has been submitted.
4. If you have received an estimate from your insurance agent or claims adjuster, do not accept it as final unless it is satisfactory to you. Most policies require that you approve any payment due before it can be made by the insurance carrier.
5. As soon as possible after the home fire, you will need to find somewhere to stay during the recovery process. For additional living expenses, ask your agent about vouchers that you can give to your hotel or motel and the time period for reimbursement.

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 catastrophe.

5 Things NOT To Do After a Fire

1. Don’t remain in your home if it is dangerous to do so! 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. Do not throw away anything. Clothing, bedding, carpets, or other household goods should be examined by an expert. 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.
3. Do not repair or replace anything until you have written permission from your homeowners’ insurance company. 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 service. If it’s possible to use them while repairs are being done, be sure you’re current on all bills and that no deposits are required before service is restored (or understand if you must pay extra.) 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 give up hope! With the right help, it is still possible to repair damage from a fire and come back stronger than ever. PuroClean is here for you.

After the Fire Department, Call PuroClean for Your Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Needs!

Whether your home suffers damage due to fire, smoke, water, or mold, PuroClean 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. Our experts will work with you and your insurance agency during the restoration services to ensure everything meets your satisfaction. Visit our website or give us a call 24/7 to get connected with your local office today.

The PuroClean Advantage: A Partner in Your Recovery

Experiencing a house fire in Victor Heights, Echo Park, or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area is overwhelming, and you don’t have to go through it alone. At PuroClean of Victor Heights, we specialize in fire and smoke damage restoration. We work directly with your insurance company to ensure a smooth, efficient, and comprehensive restoration process.

Our certified technicians are trained to handle every aspect of fire damage, from emergency board-up and structural stabilization to soot removal, smoke odor elimination, and full-scale reconstruction. We use advanced equipment and proven techniques to bring your home back to its pre-fire condition, addressing not just the visible damage but also the hidden issues that can cause problems down the line. We are the “Paramedics of Property” and are dedicated to helping our neighbors in the community.

The road to recovery is challenging, but with the right guidance and professional support, you can get back on your feet. Remember these do’s and don’ts, and when you’re ready to begin the restoration process, give us a call at (213) 328-3550. We’re here to help you restore your property and your peace of mind.