In the first 24 hours after a house fire, make sure everyone is safe and stay out until the fire department says you can go in. Then call your insurer, secure the property, document the damage and find somewhere to stay.
If you need a restoration company, call (855) 727-0147 and we’ll connect you with an independent company that serves your area.
What should I do in the first hour?
Focus on people, not property. Get a head count, get medical help for anyone hurt and stay out of the building.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the fire flares up again.
- Don’t go back in until the fire department says it is safe. Floors and walls can be weaker than they look (USFA).
- Ask firefighters which utilities they shut off.
- Write down the fire department name and any incident number they give you.
Can I turn the power and gas back on?
No. If firefighters shut off a utility, don’t turn it back on yourself (USFA). Call the utility, and have an electrician or the utility confirm it is safe first.
If you smell gas at any point, leave right away. From a safe place, call 911 and your gas company. Atmos Energy’s emergency line is 866-322-8667 (Atmos Energy).
When should I call my insurance company?
Call as soon as everyone is safe. Write down the claim number and the adjuster’s name.
| What the insurer must do in Texas | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Acknowledge your claim | 15 business days |
| Accept or deny, once it has what it needs | 15 business days, or 45 more days if it explains why |
| Pay once a claim is approved | TDI lists a five business day deadline |
What should I photograph?
Photograph and film everything before anything is moved or cleaned. The Texas Department of Insurance recommends photos and video of all damage and keeping every receipt.
- Each room, from the doorway and up close.
- Ceilings, floors and walls with soot or water damage.
- Damaged belongings, including labels and serial numbers where you can.
- The outside of the house and the roof.
- Receipts for hotels, meals, clothing and supplies.
How do I protect the house from more damage?
Have broken windows, doors and roof openings boarded up or tarped. TDI lists covering damage with a tarp or making temporary repairs as a step to take (TDI). USFA also suggests telling the police the home will be empty.
Where will I stay tonight?
If your home is unlivable after covered damage, ask your insurer about additional living expenses. TDI says this usually pays for things like a hotel, meals out and laundry, up to a limit on your policy (TDI).
If you need emergency help, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
What should I throw away?
Throw out food exposed to flames or fumes, including food in cans, plastic and the fridge or freezer. The USDA warns fumes can get through packaging (USDA).
Don’t throw anything else away until it is photographed and your adjuster has seen it or agreed.
Your first-24-hours checklist
| Done? | Task |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Everyone accounted for and safe |
| ☐ | Fire department release before going back in |
| ☐ | Utilities left off; utility companies called |
| ☐ | Insurer called; claim number written down |
| ☐ | Photos and video of every room and damaged item |
| ☐ | Openings boarded up and roof tarped |
| ☐ | Place to stay arranged; receipts kept |
| ☐ | Exposed food thrown out |
| ☐ | Medicines, IDs and important papers collected, if safe |
| ☐ | Fire report or incident number requested |
What happens next?
Once the property is secure, a restoration company inspects the damage, documents it and writes a scope. Drying, soot cleaning and odor removal come next, then repairs. Our guide to the fire restoration process walks through each stage.
Need help now?
Call (855) 727-0147 and we’ll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area. The referral is free, and you decide whether to hire them.
- Fire damage restoration
- Emergency board-up and tarping
- Fire damage restoration in Bryan
- Fire damage restoration in College Station
Sources
- U.S. Fire Administration: After the Fire (FA-46)
- Texas Department of Insurance: insurance claim deadlines
- Texas Department of Insurance: insurance claims tips (PDF)
- Texas Department of Insurance: additional living expenses
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: food safety after a fire
- Atmos Energy: recognizing a gas leak
- American Red Cross, Central and South Texas