Fire Damage Cleanup Checklist: The First 72 Hours

First few hours

1. Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for.
2. Contact your insurance carrier — they have 24/7 claim hotlines and will often dispatch an adjuster quickly.
3. Arrange somewhere safe to stay tonight. Most homeowners policies include Loss of Use coverage that pays for hotel and meals.
4. Call a fire damage restoration company. They'll handle emergency board-up of broken windows and damaged roofing so weather and looters can't cause more damage overnight.

First 24 hours

1. Photograph and video the damage from outside and inside (once safe).
2. Get a list of damaged contents started — even rough.
3. Get the utilities shut off until cleared by a pro.
4. Get a copy of the fire report from your local fire department.
5. If you can safely retrieve essential documents (passports, IDs, prescriptions), do so.

First 72 hours

1. Get water damage from firefighting addressed quickly — it can cause mold within 48 hours.
2. Start the soot and smoke cleanup process. Soot is corrosive and gets worse the longer it sits.
3. Don't try to clean walls, ceilings, or contents yourself — improper cleaning embeds soot deeper.
4. Don't use any electrical appliances until inspected by a qualified electrician.
5. Don't eat any food that was exposed to smoke or heat.

What restoration pros do that DIY can't

• HEPA vacuum and chemical sponge soot from walls and ceilings without smearing.
• Deodorize using ozone, hydroxyl, or thermal fogging — household products don't work on smoke odor.
• Clean HVAC ducts so the system doesn't spread soot once turned back on.
• Pack-out, clean, and store salvageable contents while reconstruction happens.
• Coordinate directly with your insurance adjuster on scope and pricing.