After the Fire

Important information to collect
  • Date and time of Fire
  • Location of Fire
  • Responding Fire Department and address
  • Fire Incident Report Number
  • Fire Marshal or Investigator name and phone number
  • Insurance Company Information
  • List of any vehicles information numbers for any vehicles destroyed
Next Steps
  • Contact American Red Cross (800) 733-2767, they will help you find food, shelter, clothing, and medicine.
  • Help your pets, find and comfort them. Try to leave pets with a family member, friend or veterinarian if you are cleaning your damaged home.
  • If you have insurance, contact your insurance company. Ask what you should do to keep your home safe until repaired and who to talk to about cleaning up your home.
  • Contact your landlord or mortgage company to report the fire.
  • Check with the Fire Department to make sure that your home is safe to enter. Be very careful when you go inside. Floors and walls may not be as safe as they appear.
  • Try to locate valuable documents and records.
  • Save all receipts for any money that you spend related to the fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and to prove any losses claimed on your taxes.

Helpful Publications

  1. After the Fire FEMA
  2. Fire Safety For Older Adults
  3. Red Cross after the fire guide