A house fire can turn your world upside down. Once the flames are out, you’re left wondering where to begin. The process of recovery can feel overwhelming, but taking things step by step can help you regain control.
From dealing with insurance claims to addressing smoke damage and potential health risks, here’s a practical guide on what to do after a house fire.
Immediate Steps After a House Fire
Ensure Everyone’s Safety
Your safety is the priority. Even after the fire is extinguished, hazards remain. Avoid entering your home until the fire department confirms it is safe. Structural damage, unstable walls, and hidden embers can pose risks.
If anyone has inhaled smoke or suffered injuries, seek medical attention immediately. Smoke inhalation can cause delayed respiratory issues, so it’s important to monitor for symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
One of the first things to do after a house fire is to notify your insurance company. They will guide you through the claims process and provide details on what’s covered.
- Document the damage – Take photos and videos of your home, both inside and out.
- List lost or damaged items – Try to create an inventory of personal belongings that were affected.
- Keep receipts – If you need to purchase essentials like clothing or toiletries, keep receipts as some costs may be reimbursed.
Secure Your Property
A fire can leave your home exposed, with broken windows, damaged doors, or a compromised roof. Prevent further damage by:
- Boarding up windows and doors
- Covering exposed areas with a tarp
- Notifying your local council or landlord if you’re renting
Many insurance policies require homeowners to take reasonable steps to protect their property from further loss. If you’re unsure how to secure your home, professional restoration services like RESTATE Property Restoration can help.
Find Temporary Accommodation
If your home is unsafe to live in, you may need to arrange alternative accommodation. Depending on your insurance policy, temporary housing costs could be covered.
If insurance isn’t an option, government agencies, local councils, and charities may offer emergency assistance after a house fire. Family or friends may also be able to provide short-term support while you assess your next steps.
Cleaning and Restoring Your Home
How to Get Smoke Out of Clothes After a House Fire
Even after the fire is out, the smell of smoke can linger. Clothing, curtains, and soft furnishings absorb odours, making them difficult to remove. Here’s how to get smoke out of clothes after a house fire:
- Pre-treat fabrics – Soak clothes in a mix of warm water, white vinegar, and baking soda for at least an hour before washing.
- Use a strong detergent – Wash items separately using a heavy-duty laundry detergent designed to eliminate odours.
- Air dry outdoors – Hanging clothes in fresh air helps break down lingering smoke smells.
- Repeat if necessary – Some fabrics may need multiple washes.
- Consider professional cleaning – Delicate items or heavily affected fabrics may need dry cleaning.
Other household items like carpets, bedding, and furniture may also require deep cleaning in the fire restoration process. If the odour persists, a professional restoration service can help remove smoke damage effectively.
Addressing Soot and Smoke Damage
Smoke and soot don’t just affect clothing – they settle on walls, ceilings, and furniture, creating a lasting problem. Without proper cleaning, they can continue to release harmful particles into the air.
DIY cleaning methods may not be enough. Scrubbing soot can spread stains further, and certain cleaning products can react with smoke residue, making things worse. Professional fire restoration teams use specialised equipment to:
- Remove soot from walls, ceilings, and surfaces
- Deep clean carpets and upholstery
- Neutralise odours trapped in your home
Cleaning after a house fire isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about removing harmful residues that could impact your health.
Health Risks After a House Fire
Even after the fire is out, lingering particles can pose risks to your health. Breathing in soot and smoke residue can cause:
- Respiratory issues – Exposure to smoke particles can aggravate asthma, allergies, and lung conditions.
- Skin and eye irritation – Contact with soot or chemical residues can cause redness, itching, or burning sensations.
- Headaches and nausea – Some materials, when burned, release toxic chemicals that can cause discomfort or illness.
If you experience symptoms after a fire, seek medical advice. Proper ventilation, air purification, and professional cleaning can help reduce exposure to harmful particles in your home.
Handling the Emotional Impact
Beyond the physical damage, a house fire can be emotionally overwhelming. It’s normal to feel a mix of shock, grief, and stress. Rebuilding after a fire takes time, but support is available.
- Talk to someone – Support groups, counsellors, or even trusted friends and family can help you process the experience.
- Take things one step at a time – Focus on small, manageable tasks rather than the entire recovery process at once.
- Get help when needed – Whether it’s financial assistance after a house fire, mental health support, or professional restoration services, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Moving Forward and Restoring Your Home
Reviewing Fire Safety Measures
As you begin rebuilding, consider how you can improve fire safety measures in your home. This may include:
- Installing smoke alarms in key areas and testing them regularly
- Keeping fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations
- Creating an emergency exit plan for your household
Preventative steps can help reduce the risk of future fires and provide peace of mind as you return to normal life.
How RESTATE Property Restoration Can Help
Recovering from a house fire can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. RESTATE Property Restoration specialises in fire damage recovery in Auckland and Hamilton, helping homeowners through every stage of the process.
From securing your property to deep cleaning smoke damage and restoring your home, our team is here to help you move forward. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your home’s recovery.
