Why the First 48 Hours Matter
A house fire can turn your world upside down in minutes. Even after the flames are out, the aftermath brings tough questions: Is my home safe? Who should I call first? How do I deal with insurance?
The truth is, your actions in the hours and days following a fire can make a huge difference — not just for your safety, but for your insurance claim and financial recovery.
If you’re a Florida homeowner, here’s a step-by-step checklist of what to do immediately after a fire.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
- Don’t re-enter the property until fire officials say it’s safe.
- Watch for structural hazards like weakened walls, ceilings, or stairs.
- Secure pets and children away from the site.
- If you need temporary housing, contact friends, family, or local disaster relief agencies.
Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company
- Notify your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Florida policies require “prompt notice” of loss.
- Write down your claim number and the name of the representative you spoke with.
- Follow up in writing (email is best) to confirm your report.
- Ask when an adjuster will be assigned and what documentation they’ll need.
Step 3: Document the Damage Thoroughly
- Take photos and videos of all affected areas — inside and out.
- Don’t throw away damaged belongings until they’ve been documented.
- Create an inventory list of destroyed or damaged items with estimated values.
- Request a copy of the fire department’s report for your records.
Don’t overlook these common mistakes homeowners make after a fire
Step 4: Mitigate Further Damage
Most policies require homeowners to prevent additional damage. If you don’t, parts of your claim could be denied.
- Board up broken windows and doors.
- Tarp damaged roofs.
- Arrange water removal and drying services if firefighting left standing water.
- Keep receipts for all emergency repairs and cleanup.
Step 5: Save Every Receipt (ALE Documentation)
Your policy may cover Additional Living Expenses (ALE) if your home is uninhabitable. But you must prove those costs.
- Keep hotel invoices, restaurant receipts, laundry bills, and mileage logs.
- Save receipts for clothing and essential items purchased due to displacement.
- Submit expenses regularly to your insurer for reimbursement.
Step 6: Get Professional Help When Needed
Handling a fire claim on your own can be overwhelming.
- Public adjusters advocate for homeowners and ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Restoration companies document hidden smoke, soot, and water damage.
- Attorneys may be needed if your claim is denied or severely underpaid.
Final Thoughts
The first steps you take after a house fire in Florida can protect both your safety and your financial recovery. By following this checklist — safety, insurance, documentation, mitigation, and receipts — you’ll be in a much stronger position when it’s time to rebuild.
👉 Download our free one-page Fire Recovery Checklist to keep on hand in case disaster strikes. And if you’re already dealing with a fire loss, schedule a free policy review with Property Owner Advocates to make sure your claim is handled fairly.