What to Do When You Have a House Fire: A Step-by-Step Guide from Salt Jacket Insurance

A home fully engulfed in flames

A house fire is one of the most devastating events a homeowner can experience. The emotional toll, the sense of loss, and the immediate concern for your safety and the safety of loved ones can feel overwhelming. But in the midst of the chaos, it’s important to stay as calm and organized as possible. Understanding the critical steps you need to take can help you protect your future and make the insurance claims process smoother.

At Salt Jacket Insurance, we want to ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected. If your house burns down, here’s what you need to do right away:

1. Prioritize Safety: Evacuate and Call Emergency Services

The first and most important thing you should do is get to safety. Leave the house immediately and make sure all family members, including pets, are accounted for. If you have time, grab essential items that are easy to carry and vital for your immediate well-being, such as:

• Wallet, keys, and ID

• Medications or medical supplies

• Cell phone and charger

• Important documents (e.g., insurance policies, passports)

• Pets, if safely possible—don’t risk your life trying to locate them if they are out of reach

Once you’re outside, don’t go back in. Fire can spread quickly, and it's easy to underestimate how fast it can engulf your home. Call 911 immediately and report the fire to emergency services. If there’s heavy smoke, stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. Your safety is the number one priority, so don’t delay evacuation even for sentimental belongings.

If you’re already safely outside, stay at a designated meeting point where everyone can gather, so you can confirm that all family members and pets are accounted for.

2. Stay Away and Avoid Toxic Fumes

Once emergency responders are on the scene, do not re-enter your home—even if the fire seems to be under control. Fire can reignite, and the structure may be unsafe. Furthermore, toxic fumes from burning materials like furniture, plastics, and insulation can make the air dangerous to breathe. Stay at least 500 feet away from the house to avoid inhaling harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other chemicals released by fire.

Let the fire department handle the situation. They will clear the area when it’s safe for you to return.

3. Contact Your Insurance Agent Right Away

Once you’re safely away from the fire, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to report the fire and begin the claims process. If you don’t have your agent’s direct number, most insurance companies provide emergency claims numbers available 24/7.

At Salt Jacket Insurance, we understand that time is of the essence, and we’ll work with you to get things moving quickly. When you call, be prepared to provide key information:

• Time and date of the fire

• Extent of the damage (if you can assess it from a safe distance)

• Any immediate needs you have (temporary housing, food, etc.)

If the fire department is still on-site, they may provide a report with details that will help you and your insurer assess the damage.

4. Document the Damage (When It’s Safe)

While you shouldn’t re-enter your home immediately, once the fire is out and the area is declared safe by the fire department, document everything. Take photos or videos of the damage to the structure, personal property, and any other areas affected. If you cannot safely enter the house, wait for the all-clear.

Make a list of everything that was destroyed or damaged—the more specific, the better. It’s especially important to document valuable items like electronics, jewelry, or family heirlooms. If possible, look for receipts, photos, or any proof of purchase for significant items to help speed up the claims process.

5. Prevent Further Damage

While your home is still unstable, it’s important to take steps to prevent further damage from smoke, water, or structural collapse. Don’t attempt any repairs on your own, but if possible:

• Board up broken windows and doors to prevent looting or further damage.

• Cover the roof with a tarp if rain is expected and the roof is compromised.

• Secure any salvageable property that may be outside or at risk of further destruction.

Your insurance policy may cover some emergency repairs, and your agent can assist with arranging for cleanup services to mitigate further loss.

6. File Your Claim and Work with Your Adjuster

Once you’ve documented the damage and taken necessary precautions to secure your home, your insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the extent of the damage. The adjuster will review both the structure and your personal property, providing guidance on what’s covered under your policy.

Make sure you’re familiar with the details of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Your agent can help you understand:

• Dwelling coverage: How much your home and structure are insured for.

• Personal property coverage: Whether your belongings are covered for replacement cost or actual cash value.

• Additional living expenses (ALE): Coverage for temporary housing, meals, and other expenses if your home is uninhabitable.

A thorough inventory of your personal property—whether you’ve kept receipts, photos, or video documentation—will make the claims process much smoother.

7. Seek Temporary Housing and Assistance

While you wait for your claim to be processed, you’ll likely need to find temporary housing. Many homeowner’s policies include Additional Living Expenses (ALE), which can help cover the costs of staying in a hotel or rental, as well as meals and other necessities.

If your policy covers ALE, your agent can help arrange for short-term accommodations. Additionally, many local and national disaster relief organizations, such as FEMA, may offer resources to help with immediate needs.

8. Stay in Touch with Your Agent

The process of rebuilding your home and life after a fire can take time. Throughout the recovery process, keep in close contact with your insurance agent to ensure your claim is progressing. If you have any questions or concerns about coverage, repairs, or additional support, your agent is there to guide you.

At Salt Jacket Insurance, we’re here for you every step of the way, helping you navigate the insurance claims process and ensuring you have the support you need to get back on your feet.

9. Rebuilding and Moving Forward

Once your claim is processed and you’ve received your payout, you’ll begin the process of rebuilding your home. Whether the damage was total or partial, your insurance policy is designed to help you get back to normal. This could take months or even over a year, depending on the scope of the destruction.

As you rebuild, take the opportunity to reassess your insurance needs. If you’ve made any upgrades or improvements to your home, make sure to adjust your coverage to reflect the new value of the property.

A house fire is a life-altering event, but understanding the steps to take can help you navigate through the recovery process more smoothly. At Salt Jacket Insurance, we’re here to ensure that you have the support and coverage you need during this challenging time.

Stay safe, stay informed, and know that we’re with you every step of the way.