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🧯 The House Fire Recovery Starter Kit

Created by House Fire Solutions – Helping Homeowners Rebuild, Recover, and Restore After a Fire

This Starter Kit gives you everything you need to take your first confident steps after a fire — from documenting losses to rebuilding your home and peace of mind.

Each checklist is designed to remove confusion, reduce overwhelm, and help you take control of your recovery one clear step at a time.

🔹 1. Immediate Aftermath Checklist – What to Do Right After the Fire

When you return home or contact your insurer, time is critical. Use this list in the first 24–72 hours.

☐ Ensure everyone’s safety and secure temporary shelter.
☐ Contact your insurance company immediately to open a claim.
☐ Get your claim number, adjuster’s name, and direct contact info.
☐ Request a copy of your insurance policy and declarations page.
☐ Contact your local fire department or investigator for a fire report.
☐ Arrange board-up or property security services to prevent vandalism.
☐ Turn off utilities if unsafe (gas, electric, water).
☐ Notify your mortgage company or landlord of the fire.
☐ Save all receipts for temporary housing, clothing, and meals.
☐ Begin taking photos and videos of damage immediately.
☐ Notify family, friends, and employer of your situation.
☐ Request disaster relief assistance from the Red Cross or local agencies.

💡 Tip: Do not discard any damaged items until your adjuster documents them.

🔹 2. Insurance Claim & Documentation Checklist

Managing your insurance claim is the foundation of your recovery. Use this list to stay organized and maximize reimbursement.

☐ Create a Fire Recovery Binder or folder for all paperwork.
☐ Keep copies of policy documents, claim forms, and correspondence.
☐ Record all calls, dates, and names in a claim log.
☐ Submit Proof of Loss forms promptly and accurately.
☐ Save every estimate, invoice, and contractor proposal.
☐ Photograph every damaged area and item — including small possessions.
☐ Keep a personal inventory spreadsheet (Before & After the Fire).
☐ Track all insurance payments and reimbursements.
☐ Follow up weekly with your adjuster for claim updates.
☐ Ask about supplemental claims for hidden or delayed damage.
☐ Retain emails, letters, and claim settlement documents.

💡 Tip: Stay polite but firm — document every promise your insurer makes.

🔹 3. Temporary Housing & Essentials Checklist

Your comfort and stability matter while rebuilding. This checklist ensures your temporary setup supports your family’s needs.

☐ Contact your insurer to activate Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage.
☐ Ask for direct payment to hotels or landlords if available.
☐ Keep receipts for food, gas, utilities, pet care, and internet.
☐ Make a list of essential items needed for daily life:
• Clothes, shoes, and toiletries
• Medications and first-aid items
• Bedding and towels
• Phone chargers and electronics
• Childcare supplies or school items
☐ Set up mail forwarding or a temporary P.O. box.
☐ Inform your employer and children’s school about relocation.
☐ Contact utility companies to pause or transfer services.
☐ Save copies of all housing contracts and ALE claim reimbursements.

💡 Tip: Keep all temporary rental agreements in your Fire Recovery Binder.

🔹 4. Home Inventory & Valuables Checklist

Your insurance payout depends heavily on how well you document your possessions. This list helps you record everything.

☐ Go room by room with your Home Inventory Form.
☐ List each item’s name, brand, purchase date, and estimated value.
☐ Mark condition: Destroyed / Smoke Damage / Salvageable.
☐ Attach receipts, photos, or credit card proof of purchase.
☐ Estimate replacement costs using similar items online.
☐ Include appliances, furniture, décor, tools, and electronics.
☐ Don’t forget clothing, shoes, accessories, and personal items.
☐ Include garage, shed, attic, and storage units.
☐ Save one backup of your inventory digitally (Excel or cloud).
☐ Highlight high-value items (over $500) for adjuster review.

💡 Tip: Even small items like kitchen utensils or curtains can add up to thousands in reimbursement.

🔹 5. Fire Restoration & Rebuild Checklist

Once the cleanup begins, this checklist helps you hire the right professionals and rebuild safely and efficiently.

☐ Hire only licensed, insured fire restoration contractors.
☐ Get at least 3 written estimates for all work.
☐ Review contracts carefully before signing — no blank lines.
☐ Confirm scope of work and completion timeline in writing.
☐ Ensure contractors pull necessary permits for rebuilding.
☐ Request progress photos and keep all invoices organized.
☐ Have electrical, plumbing, and structural inspections done by certified professionals.
☐ Keep receipts for materials, labor, and equipment rentals.
☐ Save copies of all permits and inspection approvals.
☐ Review work at each milestone before making payments.
☐ Report any contractor disputes immediately to your insurer.
☐ Keep before-and-after rebuild photos for documentation.

💡 Tip: Never pay the full balance upfront — retain 10–20% until final inspection approval.

🔹 Bonus: Emotional & Family Recovery Checklist

Because emotional recovery matters just as much as physical rebuilding.

☐ Contact local mental health or trauma support services.
☐ Reconnect with neighbors, friends, and community members.
☐ Involve children in safe, positive recovery tasks.
☐ Document milestones and progress photos — this helps healing.
☐ Take breaks and celebrate small wins each week.
☐ Remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

💡 Tip: Store this checklist in the front pocket of your Fire Recovery Binder as a reminder that healing takes time.

🧠 Final Homeowner Action Steps

☐ Print and assemble all five checklists in one binder or PDF file.
☐ Label it clearly: “House Fire Recovery Starter Kit.”
☐ Keep a digital version in the cloud and a printed copy in your home or car.
☐ Share it with family members or recovery advisors helping you rebuild.
☐ Revisit the kit weekly to track progress and stay organized.

💡 Remember: Recovery isn’t just about rebuilding a house — it’s about rebuilding your life with structure, clarity, and confidence.