What Should Occupants Do (and Not Do) After a Fire?

A house fire is overwhelming, whether it’s a small kitchen fire or a major blaze. In the hours and days that follow, it’s natural to feel lost about what steps to take. At PuroClean, we’ve guided hundreds of families and property owners through the aftermath, and we want to share some simple Do’s and Don’ts to help you stay safe, avoid further damage, and start the recovery process.

✅ DO These Things After a Fire

1. Wait for clearance from the fire department.
Only return to the property when it’s been declared safe. Structural and air quality hazards may still exist, even after flames are extinguished.

2. Document everything.
Take photos and videos of the damage before you move or touch anything. This documentation is critical for insurance claims.

3. Call your insurance company.
Notify them right away and begin the claims process. Keep a record of all communications, and ask what temporary living expenses may be covered.

4. Secure the property with board-up and tarping.
Fires often leave doors, windows, or the roof compromised. Prevent further damage from weather, animals, or vandalism by boarding up openings and tarping exposed areas. A restoration company like ours can handle this immediately.

5. Save receipts.
Keep all receipts for lodging, meals, emergency purchases, or cleanup — these may be reimbursed under your policy.

6. Contact a trusted restoration company.
The faster professionals can respond, the better chance you have to salvage belongings, prevent mold growth, and begin safe cleanup.

❌ DON’T Do These Things After a Fire

1. Don’t enter the home without approval.
Fire damage can weaken walls, ceilings, and floors. Smoke and soot can also cause serious respiratory issues. Let professionals assess the environment first.

2. Don’t clean walls, ceilings, or soft goods yourself.
Soot can smear and permanently stain surfaces if not cleaned properly. Specialized equipment and techniques are needed to avoid making the damage worse.

3. Don’t use electrical appliances.
If appliances or outlets were near the fire, do not turn them on. They could be compromised and pose an electrical hazard.

4. Don’t eat food or use cosmetics/toiletries exposed to heat or smoke.
Even if packaging looks intact, high heat and smoke can contaminate the contents.

5. Don’t throw things away too quickly.
Some damaged items may still be restorable, especially sentimental or high-value items. Let a restoration team assess what can be saved.

Final Thoughts

A fire can feel like the end of the world, but it’s not. With the right help and timely action, recovery is possible. One of the first steps we recommend is securing your property with professional board-up services to prevent further loss.

Our team is here to guide you through every step with compassion and care. If you or someone you know needs help after a fire, call us anytime. We’re available 24/7 to respond and protect what’s left, so you can begin rebuilding what comes next.