What to Do After a House Fire

Navigating life after a house fire can be an overwhelming and emotional process. While the safety of yourself and your loved ones is the priority, it can be challenging to face the damage that the fire has caused to your home and belongings. 

Learn what happens after a fire in your house, including immediate actions you should take, and what to expect during the long-term rebuilding process. 

Your House Burned Down. Now What?

If you have experienced a house fire, there are immediate steps you must take to ensure your personal safety and that of your loved ones:

• Do not re-enter the structure: Even if your house has not burned down completely, not all fire damage is visible, and many safety risks remain even once the flames are extinguished. Do not re-enter your home following a fire until it has been assessed by professionals and deemed safe to do so.
• Call 911: Contact 911 to report the fire, minimize further damage and request medical support. 
• Seek medical attention: Immediately perform first aid on any injured parties and seek professional medical attention for everyone. Many fire-induced injuries are not visible, such as damage caused by smoke inhalation, so receiving medical attention is crucial after a house fire, even if you or your loved ones seem OK.

Once the health and safety of you and your loved ones is ensured, you can begin thinking about next steps. 

Steps to Complete Before the Rebuilding Process

Depending on the severity of the house fire and damage caused, rebuilding can take anywhere between several weeks and over a year. Variables that affect the time to rebuild include:

• Size of the fire and the affected area
• Extent of smoke damage
• Secondary water damage or mold
• Insurance claim processing times
• Inspection and permit timelines
• Contractor availability
• Budget and cash flow

As much as you may want to start the rebuilding process immediately, there are a few steps you must complete before you get to that stage, including:

1. Contacting Your Insurance Company

Reaching out to your insurance company is the first step you can take to initiate the home restoration process — the sooner you contact them, the more quickly you can start to rebuild your life. When you contact your insurance company, you can find out exactly what your policy covers and how to make a comprehensive claim. 

The level of financial relief you receive from your insurance provider depends on the type of coverage you have and the state of your home. If the structure is uninhabitable after a fire, your insurance provider may be able to cover additional living expenses (ALE) to help you maintain your usual standard of living. ALE may help cover:

• Temporary housing
• Food
• Transportation costs
• Moving and storage expenses for any salvaged belongings

2. Keeping Clear Documentation

As soon as it is safe to do so, start documenting the damage caused by the fire. This involves taking photos and videos of your house following the fire and retaining clear documentation of all related communications, such as with the fire department and other emergency services. 

Among other things, you should document:

• All damage: This encompasses damage to your house’s structure, interior, furnishings, and your belongings.
• Proof of ownership: Collect documentation that proves your ownership of your damaged property and items. 
• Receipts: Keep records of all expenses incurred following the fire, including emergency repairs and medical treatment.
• Official reports: Try to obtain a copy of the official fire report to support any insurance claims you may need to make.
• Official communications: Keep a communication log of all interactions you have with insurance companies, medical experts, the police, and any other official services. 
• Other key documents: When it is safe to do so, try to locate all official documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and medical records. 

3. Contacting a Professional Restoration Company

Once your insurance company has recommended a contractor or you have chosen your own, have a professional restoration engineer conduct a comprehensive inspection of your home. These specialists will inspect its structural integrity, assess the overall condition, identify hazards, and help you document the damage for insurance purposes.

The fire restoration service typically includes the following: 

• Property securing: A restoration service can help you protect your property from further damage or unauthorized access by boarding up windows and covering damaged roofing. 
• Water removal and drying: The water used to extinguish the fire can cause excessive damage, and all moisture must be removed through pumps, water vacuums, and dehumidifiers. 
• Soot and smoke removal: If left untreated, soot and smoke can continue to cause damage to your home. Professional deep cleaning is necessary before you can start sanitizing all salvageable items.
• Reconstruction: Depending on the extent of the fire damage, this can encompass anything from paint touch-ups to rebuilding the structural foundations of your house.   

4. Finding Temporary Housing

Whether your home rebuild is expected to take several days or several months, you and your family need a place to call home in the meantime. If your insurance provider covers temporary housing costs, you should have several options available to choose from, including hotels and rental properties.

When deciding where to stay after your house burns down, consider:

• Location: To make the transition as seamless as possible, try to find somewhere close to your home. If you have any salvaged belongings, this will make it easier for you to transport them to and from your temporary accommodation. At Atlanta Luxury Rentals, you can choose from properties spread across multiple neighborhoods. 
• Furnished vs. unfurnished: Depending on how much of your own furniture you were able to recover from your house fire, you may need to rent a furnished property to make your stay more straightforward.
• Pet regulations: If you have pets, you will want to find pet-friendly accommodation. At Atlanta Luxury Rentals, we have an array of pet-friendly rentals just waiting to welcome your furry friends home. 
• Rental period: With both short-term and long-term options available, it is essential to understand how long your rebuilding process may take before selecting your temporary housing. 

Find Refuge With Atlanta Luxury Rentals

At Atlanta Luxury Rentals, we know how hard it can be to navigate life after a house fire. While your family’s safety is paramount, the logistics you are left to deal with can be overwhelming. Having a place to call home while you rebuild is an essential part of starting the healing process. 

Our short- and long-term luxury rentals provide the perfect refuge for victims of a house fire. With over five neighborhoods and multiple fully furnished apartments to choose from, we have everything you need to immediately feel at home. 

We provide more than a roof over your head. Our upscale amenities, concierge support and high-end interiors transform your stay into a luxury experience. Find peace of mind and book your temporary Atlanta Luxury Rentals stay today.