What to do after a house fire

Experiencing a house fire can be a terrifying and devastating event. The smoke alarm jolts you awake, signaling the urgent need to check on the safety of your family and pets. As you scramble to escape your smoke-filled house, your mind races with questions about what to do next.

Watching your home engulfed in flames, you're faced with the daunting task of recovery. This includes filing insurance claims, finding temporary housing, and replacing your belongings. This article guides you through what to do after a house fire and what steps you can take to prevent future fires.

1. Ensuring your family's safety

Your family's safety should always be the primary concern during a house fire. Evacuating your loved ones to a safe location is crucial to preventing injuries or worse. Resist the urge to re-enter your home to retrieve personal belongings until you know that it's safe to do so.

Be sure you have a safe place to stay after a house fire. Make sure to keep any receipts that you have for added expenses due to the fire. Temporary housing costs, pet boarding and meals for example, may be covered by your insurance policy. Consider seeking help from local organizations or the American Red Cross.^{See note1}

2. Homeowners Insurance and wildfires

Wildfires can be particularly destructive, threatening not only homes but also the safety of entire communities. The good news is that standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover wildfire-related damages. Your home, belongings, and even additional structures such as detached garages or workshops are generally protected.

If you live in a wildfire-prone area, it's essential to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to better protect your home. Consider exploring fire prevention strategies and staying informed about potential hazards in your region.

Homeowners policies vary from company to company, depending on the type and amount of coverage. To better protect your property and finances, it's important to make sure you know what your policy provides and to understand homeowner's insurance.

3. Filing an insurance claim made easy

In the aftermath of a house fire, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. Filing an insurance claim may seem like a big task, but the process can be straightforward. Once you've had time to decompress, it's essential to contact your insurance company to start your claim.

USAA policyholders can use our online claims center to file claims or make updates to their USAA homeowners insurance policies. The online process is designed to make things easier for you. You can provide details and upload photos online or through a user-friendly app. A team of professionals will evaluate the loss to your property and determine the costs to repair or replace damaged items.

After the evaluation, you'll typically receive prompt payment for your covered losses. You'll be responsible for your homeowner policy's deductible. You have the flexibility to choose your preferred contractor, or the insurance company can direct you to a trusted contractor network.

4. Common causes of house fires

Understanding the common causes of house fires can help you take precautions to prevent them. Here are some primary factors to be aware of.

Candles

Candle fires often result from flames being too close to flammable objects in the room. Remember to blow out candles before leaving the room and keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.

Cooking

Kitchen fires can occur when cooking with oil or leaving food unattended on the stove, in the oven, or on the grill. Stay vigilant and attentive while cooking to avoid accidents.

Electrical hazards

Old wiring, ungrounded outlets, and overloaded extension cords can lead to electrical fires. Properly maintain your electrical systems and avoid overloading outlets.

Heating

Space heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves can be fire hazards if not used carefully, especially when placed too close to flammable materials.

Smoking

Smoking materials, including lighters, matches, cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes, are the leading cause of fire deaths. If you smoke, ensure proper disposal of smoking materials.

5. Proactive steps to prevent home fires.

While knowing what to do after a house fire is crucial, taking steps to prevent one can be a lifesaver. Beyond installing smoke alarms, consider these essential fire safety tips:

Install smoke alarms.

Place smoke alarms strategically throughout your home, including in all bedrooms, hallways, and outside sleeping areas. Consider smart home smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for added protection and convenience.

Some smart home smoke detectors may qualify for discounts on your home insurance or enrollment in smart home monitoring services. Smart home devices can help detect risks earlier before they become bigger problems. They can also help you save on your homeowners insurance.

Test smoke alarms regularly.

Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries twice a year. Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every ten years to ensure optimal functionality.

Have a home fire escape plan.

Create a detailed escape plan with all household members. Identify multiple exits from each room and conduct fire drills to practice evacuating the house quickly and safely.

Have fire extinguishers in your home.

Keep at least one fire extinguisher handy and ensure that adult family members are trained on how to use it properly.

Be safe with candles.

Use candles with caution, and never leave them unattended. Consider flameless candles for a safer alternative.

Stay safe

A house fire is an emotionally and financially challenging experience. By focusing on your family's safety, promptly filing an insurance claim, and taking proactive fire prevention measures, you can navigate the aftermath of a house fire with greater resilience.

In the event of a wildfire or a natural disaster, take precautions and evacuate if needed.

Remember to seek support from relevant organizations and consider preventive actions to protect your home and family while minimizing the impact of potential fire emergencies.