Fire & Smoke · What To Do Now
We Had a House Fire — What Do I Do Now?
After the fire is out and everyone is safe, the next steps protect your health, your home, and your claim. Take them one at a time.
Call (660) 216-6521 — 24/7Do This First
Work through these in order — the first few minutes decide how much damage spreads.
- 1
Do not re-enter until the fire department says the structure is safe.
- 2
Contact your insurance company to start a claim as soon as you can.
- 3
Find a safe place to stay — smoke, soot, and water make a fire-damaged home unhealthy to occupy.
- 4
Secure the property (board-up/tarp) to prevent weather and theft damage — a restoration company can do this fast.
- 5
Take photos/video of all damage before anything is moved or cleaned.
- 6
Keep receipts for lodging and essentials — they may be reimbursable.
Careful
What to Avoid
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Don't enter a fire-damaged home without clearance — structural, electrical, and air hazards remain.
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Don't turn on utilities until they’re inspected.
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Don't throw damaged items away before documenting them for the claim.
When to Call a Pro
Fire loss involves smoke, soot, water from firefighting, and structural damage all at once. Binnacle handles emergency board-up, cleanup, contents, structural drying, deodorization, and reconstruction — one accountable team, fully documented for your insurer.
Common Questions
We Had a House Fire
What’s the very first call after a house fire?
After 911 and getting everyone safe: your insurance company to open the claim, and a restoration company to secure the property (board-up/tarp) so it doesn’t take on more damage.
Who boards up my house after a fire?
A restoration company like Binnacle provides emergency board-up and tarping — often the same day — to keep out weather, animals, and intruders while the claim proceeds.
More Fire & Smoke Guides
Don't wait it out — water and damage spread.
Talk to a real person now. We're here 24/7 and document everything for your claim.
Call (660) 216-6521