Experiencing a fire is one of the most stressful events a homeowner or business owner can face. Once the fire is out, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Questions about safety, insurance, securing the property, and protecting your belongings all demand immediate attention.
At John Grace, we’ve helped families and businesses throughout West Michigan recover from fire damage for decades. We know the actions you take in the first few hours and days can make a significant difference in protecting your property and streamlining the restoration process.
To help you navigate those critical first steps, we’ve created a free Fire Recovery Guide that you can download, print, and keep on hand. It includes a simple checklist of what to do immediately after a fire, important insurance reminders, frequently asked questions, and tips for protecting your home or business from additional damage.
Download the Fire Recovery Guide (PDF) or review the checklist below.
What To Do After a Fire Recovery Tips
1. Ensure Everyone Is Safe
- Do not re-enter the building until the fire department or authorities declare it safe.
- Call 911 if emergency assistance is still needed.
- Seek medical attention for anyone who may have been injured or exposed to smoke.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
- Report the loss as soon as possible.
- Write down your claim number and adjuster’s contact information.
- Ask about temporary housing, emergency expenses, and next steps.
3. Secure the Property
- Board up damaged windows and doors.
- Tarp damaged roofs to prevent additional weather damage.
- Prevent unauthorized entry whenever possible.
4. Document Everything
- Take photos and videos before moving anything.
- Create an inventory of damaged belongings.
- Keep receipts for emergency purchases and temporary repairs.
5. Avoid DIY Cleanup
- Smoke and soot continue damaging surfaces over time.
- Water left from firefighting can lead to mold within 24–48 hours.
- Electronics, HVAC systems, and specialty materials require professional cleaning.
6. Leave Utilities Off
- Do not restore electricity, gas, or water until they have been inspected and approved.
7. Protect Important Items
- If safe, remove medications, identification, financial records, passports, and irreplaceable valuables.
- Separate salvageable items from heavily damaged materials.
8. Contact a Professional Restoration Company
- Emergency board-up and roof tarping
- Water extraction and structural drying
- Smoke and soot cleanup
- Contents cleaning and deodorization
- Selective demolition
- Complete reconstruction
Additional Important Steps
- Notify your mortgage company or property manager if applicable.
- Do not discard damaged items until your insurance company authorizes it.
- Keep a written log of everyone you speak with, including dates and phone numbers.
- Watch for scams—work only with licensed, reputable restoration contractors.
- If your business is affected, notify employees, customers, and key vendors as appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in my home?
Only if local authorities determine it is safe.
Should I throw damaged items away?
No. Your insurance company may need to inspect them first.
How quickly should cleanup begin?
As soon as the property is safe to enter. Prompt mitigation helps reduce permanent smoke damage and mold growth.
Can smoke odor be removed?
Yes. Professional deodorization techniques can eliminate odors that standard cleaning cannot.
Quick Recovery Checklist
- ✓ Ensure everyone is safe
- ✓ Contact your insurance company
- ✓ Secure the property
- ✓ Document all damage
- ✓ Save receipts and keep records
- ✓ Avoid DIY cleanup
- ✓ Contact a professional restoration company immediately
Don’t Face Recovery Alone
Recovering from a fire involves much more than repairing damaged walls. Smoke, soot, water from firefighting efforts, and damaged belongings all require specialized care to prevent additional damage and restore your property safely.
John Grace manages the entire restoration process, from emergency board-up and water mitigation to smoke and soot cleanup, contents restoration, reconstruction, and insurance coordination. Our goal is to guide you through every step of the recovery process so you can focus on moving forward.
If your home or business has been affected by a fire, contact John Grace for a free inspection. We’ll assess the damage, answer your questions, and help you begin the recovery process with confidence.
