House Fire Aftermath: What To Do and How To Handle Your Insurance

Knowing what to do after a house fire, such as promptly contacting your home insurance to begin the claims process, cataloging damaged property and holding onto any receipts for expenses like hotel stays, can help you recover. Keep reading to learn what to do after a house fire, fire prevention safety tips and how to ensure you have proper home insurance coverage.

What Are the Most Common Causes of House Fires?

Below we will cover common causes of house fires.

Cooking Accidents

Of the 374,300 residential building fires reported in 2022, cooking accidents were the leading cause, at roughly 48%.^[1] This can include grease fires, stovetop or barbecue flames that get out of control and food debris that ignites inside your oven. Many cooking fires start simply because the stove or other heat sources are left unsupervised.

Heating Accidents

Roughly 9% of residential building fires in 2022 came from heating accidents.^[1] Dryers can cause fires if the lint filter isn’t cleaned regularly and the exhaust isn’t cleaned annually. An unmaintained furnace or chimney could catch fire due to accumulated soot or animal nests. Space heaters kept too close to flammable materials could also start a fire. Outdoor firepits can also be hazardous if an ember hits a dry plant on your property.

Unintentional and Careless Actions

Negligence and a lack of safety awareness caused roughly 9% of all residential building fires in 2022.^[1] These could result from toppled candles or other open flames left unsupervised.

Between 2018 and 2022, candles accounted for 4% of home fires, predominantly starting in bedrooms (36%) and were responsible for significant deaths and injuries.^[2]

Loose cigarette embers that fall onto upholstery or other flammable materials could quickly start a housefire, even igniting dry plant life if tossed outside.

Electrical Malfunctions

Electrical malfunctions resulted in 7% of residential building fires in 2022, often due to loose or corroded wiring in electrical equipment that could lead to an arc fault.^[1] A high-intensity spark from faulty electronics can ignite nearby flammable materials, leading to a house fire. For example, 41% of Christmas tree fires begin due to electrical distribution and lighting equipment issues.^[3]

What Should I Do in the Event of a House Fire?

Below, we’ll discuss the steps to take after a house fire has ignited and what you should do to begin the recovery process.

1. Get Everyone Out and to Safety

The foremost priority during a house fire is to ensure the safety of all occupants. Quickly and calmly evacuate everyone from the house, using pre-planned escape routes if possible. Do not stop to gather possessions; the primary goal is to get out safely.

After evacuating, you, your family members and your pets should maintain a safe distance from the house. Fires can escalate quickly, presenting dangers like smoke inhalation, burns, explosions and potential structural collapse. Do not attempt to re-enter the house for any reason.

2. Contact Emergency Services

Once everyone is safely out of the house, call emergency services immediately. Provide them with your address and relevant details about the fire. A quick response from your local fire department can prevent the fire from spreading and minimize fire damage.

3. Contact Your Home Insurance Company

You should contact your homeowners insurance company to report the fire as soon as possible. They will guide you through filing a claim, such as providing a list of items lost and a copy of the fire report.

Prompt reporting is crucial in getting the support and compensation you're entitled to.

4. Contact Your Landlord if You’re Renting

Your landlord will need to call their insurance company to begin any repairs if there are any damages to the structure. Renters insurance will cover your possessions, but the landlord’s policy will cover the building structure.

5. Contact Your Loved Ones

Inform your family members, friends or anyone who needs to be aware of the incident. They can provide emotional support and practical assistance during this challenging time. If your home is uninhabitable, you may ask to move in with them temporarily if you cannot stay in a hotel or other accommodation while your home is being repaired until you find a replacement.

6. Recover Your Possessions Once Given Clearance and Instructions

Wait until the authorities declare it safe to re-enter your home. Follow their guidance on safely recovering possessions, including important documents and personal items that may have survived the fire. Note any documents you need to replace, such as passports, birth certificates and marriage licenses. Also, be sure to take pictures of damages to your home and belongings. When filing an insurance claim, you typically need them to provide evidence of your losses.

7. Discard Foods That Have Been Exposed to the House Fire

Dispose of any food exposed to fire, smoke, heat or firefighting chemicals. Consuming these can be harmful to your health.

8. Turn Off Utility Services

For safety, turn off utilities like gas, electricity and water, unless doing so poses a risk. Professional services can typically assist with this if necessary.

9. Secure Property if the Structure Is Still Up

If part of your home remains standing, secure it to prevent further damage or unauthorized entry once it is deemed safe. This might involve boarding up windows or doors. You can also use tarps to shield leftover property from the elements. Anything left from the fire is still going to be considered your responsibility.

10. Find a Safe Place To Stay

Arrange for a temporary place to stay. Homeowners insurance typically covers the cost of temporary housing and other additional living expenses (ALE) if your house is uninhabitable. You’ll likely need to hold onto receipts of hotel stays or meals eaten out while you don’t have access to your home.

Keep in mind that your insurer may have a limit to how long and for how much they cover additional living expenses, so ensure you review your policy to see.

11. Meet With a Claims Adjuster

Your insurance company will typically send a claims adjuster to survey your property after the fire. You should meet with them to help answer questions and to give them a good understanding of what has been damaged.

12. Come Back With a Restoration Company and Identify Any Damage

Your carrier may have a list of fire restoration specialists to look through and choose from when bringing your home back into a liveable condition. However, you may have the option to choose a restoration company. If you’re rebuilding your home and the contractor is being paid in installments, confirm that the work is complete to your satisfaction before your insurance company issues the final payment.^[4]

Tips for House Fire Protection

Protecting your home from the threat of a house fire involves several key strategies. Here are some essential tips:

• Install smoke alarms: Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.^[5]
• Check electrical wiring and appliances: Avoid overloading power outlets and use surge protectors where necessary. Also, replace or repair any chewed or frayed wires due to rats or squirrels.
• Maintain heating equipment: Have your heating system serviced annually by a professional.^[6] Keep portable heaters away from anything that can burn and never leave them unattended.
• Practice safe cooking: Never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable materials away from the stove and clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease and food debris buildup.
• Use candles safely: Always keep candles in sturdy, non-combustible holders and away from flammable materials. Never leave candles burning unattended or go to sleep with candles lit.
• Create a fire escape plan: Practice your escape plan regularly with all household members. Ensure everyone knows at least two ways to escape from every room.^[7]
• Keep fire extinguishers handy: Keep one on each level of your home, especially in the kitchen and near the fireplace. Make sure everyone knows how to use them.^[8]
• Store flammable materials safely: Keep flammable liquids like gasoline, paint thinners and cleaning supplies in properly labeled, sealed containers away from heat sources.
• Secure matches and lighters: Store matches and lighters out of children's reach, preferably in locked cabinets.
• Inspect and clean chimneys and fireplaces: Annual cleanings are particularly important for both wood and gas fireplaces, as a buildup of soot can combust and cause a fire. If you use your fireplace three or more times a week, it may need more frequent cleaning.^[9]
• Avoid smoking indoors: Never smoke in bed or when you are likely to fall asleep on a couch or chair. Also, elderly people who use oxygen tanks should not smoke or they risk the tank combusting.
• Educate children about fire safety: Teach children the dangers of fire and the importance of not playing with matches, lighters or other fire sources.
• Have an itemized list of belongings: While this won’t prevent a fire, you should have a home inventory that lists all of your possessions and includes pictures, serial numbers and receipts. If there is a fire, you can give this to your insurance company to help with the claims process so you’re reimbursed properly.
• Regularly water your live Christmas tree: During the holidays, keep your tree hydrated and away from any heat sources. If your tree becomes dry, throw it out, as it could catch fire.

How To Get Home Insurance for House Fires

When searching for insurance for a house fire, it's advisable to gather and compare quotes from at least three to five different providers. These insurers will typically ask for details about your home, including its construction year, the roof's state, location and the number of people living there. This process can be cumbersome, as it repeatedly provides the same information to different companies.

To simplify this, consider using an insurance comparison platform like SmartFinancial. This service requires you to complete a questionnaire regarding your insurance needs and financial considerations. Once completed, a licensed insurance agent will match you with a home insurance policy tailored to your requirements. Get started on your free homeowners insurance quote today.