What to Do After Fire or Water Damage

01

1. Protect people before property

Do not enter a damaged area until fire officials, emergency responders, or the appropriate professional has said it is safe. Conditions involving structural movement, energized wiring, gas, sewage, contaminated water, or active fire damage require qualified assistance.

• Keep children, pets, and visitors away from unsafe areas.
• Shut off utilities only when it is safe and you know the correct procedure.
• Use professional help for sewage, contaminated water, significant mold, electrical hazards, or unstable construction.

02

2. Notify the insurer and document the loss

Report the loss promptly and ask what the carrier needs before damaged materials are moved or discarded. Coverage, deductibles, emergency work, and documentation requirements depend on the policy and cause of loss.

• Photograph and video every affected room from wide views to close details.
• Create a written list of damaged building components and personal property.
• Save receipts for emergency work, temporary protection, lodging, and other loss-related expenses.
• Keep emails, claim numbers, estimates, reports, and notes from calls in one file.
• Do not discard damaged property without coordinating with the insurer or adjuster when documentation may be needed.

03

3. Stop additional damage safely

Reasonable temporary protection may be needed to prevent the loss from getting worse. Examples can include securing an opening, controlling an active leak, extracting water, or installing temporary weather protection. Coordinate with the insurer when circumstances allow and document the condition before and after emergency work.

04

4. Dry water-damaged materials quickly

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours when possible to help prevent mold growth. Hidden cavities, insulation, flooring assemblies, and enclosed spaces may hold moisture even when visible surfaces look dry.

• Identify and correct the water source.
• Measure and document moisture rather than judging only by appearance.
• Remove materials that cannot be safely or effectively dried.
• Use qualified remediation help when water is contaminated or the affected area is extensive.

05

5. Separate mitigation from reconstruction

Mitigation controls the immediate damage. Reconstruction returns the property to a complete, usable condition. Keeping those phases clearly documented helps everyone understand what was removed, why it was removed, and what must be rebuilt.

• Record demolition limits and exposed conditions.
• Photograph framing, wiring, plumbing, insulation, and concealed damage before covering it.
• Create a room-by-room reconstruction scope with quantities and finish expectations.
• Address code, permit, and inspection requirements for the repair work.
• Review approved scope, owner selections, and unresolved differences before reconstruction proceeds.

06

6. Close out the repair carefully

Before final payment, walk the project, document incomplete or corrective work, collect warranties and final approvals, and confirm that damaged areas are usable for their intended purpose.