A house fire is one of the most devastating events a homeowner can experience. Beyond the immediate danger to life and property, the aftermath can be overwhelming—filled with emotional trauma, logistical chaos, and uncertainty about where to begin. Knowing what steps to take in the critical hours and days following a fire can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
In this guide, we outline a step-by-step roadmap to help you regain control, ensure your safety, and begin the journey of restoring your home—with trusted professionals like STOP Restoration, a premier water and fire damage restoration company, by your side.
1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety
The most important concern after a house fire is your family’s safety.
Do not re-enter the home until the fire department declares it safe.
Seek medical attention for anyone showing signs of smoke inhalation, burns, or shock.
Find temporary shelter, whether through friends, family, or local emergency services like the Red Cross.
It’s also important to account for pets and ensure they’re in a safe and stable environment.
2. Call Your Insurance Company Immediately
Once you are safe, contact your homeowners or renters insurance company to initiate a claim.
Document everything: Take photos or videos of the damage before you move or clean anything.
Ask about immediate support: Many policies offer funds for emergency expenses like lodging, clothing, and food.
Request an adjuster visit: They will assess the damage and guide you on next steps.
TIP: Keep a record of all conversations with your insurer—note dates, names, and details of the discussions.
3. Secure the Property
If it is safe to do so and the fire department has given clearance, you’ll need to secure the structure to prevent further damage or looting.
Board up windows and doors.
Cover roof openings with tarps.
Shut off utilities: Your gas, water, and electricity should be professionally inspected and turned off if necessary.
For this task, partnering with a trusted company like STOP Restoration can be invaluable. They offer rapid response services to secure your property and minimize further loss.
4. Hire a Professional Restoration Company
Dealing with fire and smoke damage is not a DIY job. Soot can seep into walls and HVAC systems, and water from fire hoses can lead to mold within days.
That’s where STOP Restoration (Service Team of Professionals) shines. With decades of experience in fire, smoke, and water damage restoration, they provide:
Emergency board-up services.
Smoke odor and soot removal.
Water damage mitigation.
Full structural drying and dehumidification.
Reconstruction and repair services.
Their IICRC-certified technicians use advanced equipment to assess and restore your property safely and efficiently, helping you return to normalcy as quickly as possible.
5. Retrieve Essential Documents and Belongings
Only enter the premises when given the all-clear by officials and while wearing protective gear.
Retrieve the following, if safe:
STOP Restoration professionals can assist with content inventorying, helping to catalog and recover as many personal items as possible—even those damaged by smoke or water.
6. Start Cleaning and Salvaging—Safely
While you may want to start cleaning immediately, doing so improperly can worsen damage or risk your health.
Avoid touching soot-covered items—acids in soot can permanently stain surfaces.
Ventilate the property, if safe, by opening windows and running air purifiers.
Leave heavy-duty cleaning to the pros, especially upholstery, electronics, and structural elements.
STOP Restoration uses industrial-grade tools and specialized cleaning techniques to handle hazardous materials safely and restore salvageable items.
7. Stay Organized and Informed
Recovery from a house fire can take weeks to months. Staying organized will reduce stress and help speed up the process.
Keep all receipts and documentation for repairs and temporary expenses.
Create a recovery timeline and checklist.
Communicate regularly with your insurance adjuster and restoration team.
Most importantly, lean on professional partners like STOP Restoration, who offer transparency, support, and expertise every step of the way.
8. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Don’t underestimate the emotional toll of a house fire. It’s normal to feel grief, anger, or anxiety.
Reach out for support from family, friends, or professional counselors.
Consider joining a support group for fire survivors.
Talk openly with children, as they may be particularly affected by the trauma and upheaval.
Many communities offer free or low-cost mental health services to assist in the emotional recovery process.
9. Plan for Rebuilding and Prevention
Once your home is stabilized and the restoration process begins, think about the future.
Work with your contractor and restoration company to rebuild safely and up to code.
Consider installing smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire-resistant materials.
Create a new fire escape plan and review it regularly with your household.
With STOP Restoration managing the recovery, you can focus more on these long-term solutions while they handle the technical, structural, and safety aspects of rebuilding.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing a house fire is a traumatic event, but you don’t have to face it alone. Acting quickly and making informed decisions can protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
STOP Restoration is more than just a restoration company—they’re a trusted partner in helping families rise from the ashes. Whether it’s immediate cleanup, long-term rebuilding, or emotional support through the process, their team is committed to helping you recover with compassion and professionalism.
If you or someone you know has recently experienced a fire, reach out to STOP Restoration today on 509-260-8166. Because when disaster strikes, what you do next makes all the difference.
FAQ
1. What should I do immediately after discovering water damage?
Shut off the water source if possible and ensure everyone’s safety. Disconnect electrical devices in the affected area, and call a professional water damage restoration company like STOP Restoration immediately to assess and begin mitigation.
2. Is water damage covered by insurance?
It depends on the cause. Most homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage (like burst pipes), but may not cover gradual leaks or flooding unless you have additional flood insurance. Contact your insurer to review your policy details.
3. How long does it take to dry out a water-damaged property?
Drying time varies based on the extent of the damage, the materials affected, and environmental conditions. On average, it can take 3–5 days, but full structural drying may take longer. Professional equipment like dehumidifiers and air movers are essential for thorough drying.
4. Can I clean up water damage myself?
Small, surface-level spills might be manageable, but DIY cleanup for significant water damage is not recommended. Moisture can seep into walls, floors, and insulation, causing mold growth and structural issues. Professional restoration ensures complete drying, sanitization, and damage repair.
5. When should I call a water damage restoration company?
Call a restoration professional as soon as possible—ideally within the first 24–48 hours. Prompt response helps prevent mold, bacteria, and secondary damage, and may improve insurance claim outcomes.
6. Will mold grow after water damage?
Yes, mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours if the affected area is not properly dried and treated. STOP Restoration uses specialized antimicrobial treatments and moisture detection tools to prevent mold growth during cleanup.
7. How do professionals detect hidden water damage?
Restoration experts use moisture meters, infrared cameras, and hygrometers to identify moisture behind walls, under flooring, and in insulation—areas not visible to the naked eye.
8. Do I need to move out during the restoration process?
It depends on the extent of the damage and whether structural repairs or mold remediation are needed. Your restoration team and insurance adjuster can help assess whether temporary relocation is necessary for safety and comfort.
9. How much does water damage restoration cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the severity, area affected, and type of water involved (clean, gray, or black water). A professional inspection is needed for an accurate estimate. Insurance may cover much or all of the cost if the cause is covered by your policy.
10. What sets STOP Restoration apart from other companies?
STOP Restoration offers 24/7 emergency response, certified technicians, cutting-edge drying and dehumidification technology, and compassionate service. Their expertise in both water and mold damage ensures your property is restored quickly and safely.
