What should I do after a house fire in Virginia?

Get everyone out safely, then let the fire department clear the building before you go back in. After that, call your insurer, protect what is left, keep records of everything and hire only licensed contractors for the repair. Here is the order that works in Virginia.

The first hours

Do not re-enter until it is cleared. Ready.gov says to check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter.^[1] Ready.gov also says not to attempt to reconnect utilities yourself, because the fire department should make sure that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site.^[1]

Find a place to stay. Ready.gov suggests contacting your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, for temporary housing, food and medicines.^[1] Tell your insurer where you can be reached. The Bureau of Insurance says that if it is necessary to vacate your home, you should report the address and phone number where you can be reached.^[2]

Call your insurer. The Bureau of Insurance says your insurance agent is the first link between you and your company, and that if your agent is unavailable you should call the company directly and ask for the claims department.^[2] It also says insurance companies are required to acknowledge the receipt of your claim within 10 working days.^[2] If your lender holds a mortgage, Ready.gov says to notify your mortgage company of the fire.^[1]

Protect the property and your claim

Photograph first. Take photographs to show the way things look before you begin cleaning and repairing.^[2] Do not throw away damaged goods until after you make the inventory of your items.^[1]

Make an inventory. If you do not have a household inventory, the Bureau suggests trying to picture the contents of every room, and then list and describe all the items that were damaged or destroyed.^[2] Note when you bought each item, what you paid and what it would cost to replace it. Brand names and model numbers help.

Make temporary repairs. The Bureau says to make all necessary temporary repairs, such as boarding up windows and patching holes in walls or roofs, as soon as possible, even if you have not yet seen the company representative.^[2] Hire licensed help for anything involving the roof or structure. The Bureau also says most homeowners policies cover the reasonable costs of emergency clean-up and temporary repairs.^[2]

Keep every receipt. Ready.gov says to begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss, which may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on your income tax.^[1] Hotel bills, meals, storage and emergency work all count.

Live elsewhere without losing money

If your policy covers the loss, Additional Living Expense coverage pays for costs you incur that are in excess of your normal living expenses.^[2] If you stay with friends or family, the Bureau says the company may reimburse your host for lodging only if you can show proof of actual payment.^[2]

Choose the restoration and repair contractors carefully

Fire victims are a target for fast talkers. DPOR warns to beware of fraudulent and unlicensed contractors in the aftermath of natural disasters, and to be wary of door-to-door solicitations promising repairs at a discounted price.^[3] DPOR advises you to insist on a written contract, don't pay in cash, and never pay for the entire job upfront.^[3] The Bureau of Insurance adds that you should not sign any contracts for major repair until the company representative has determined how much damage there is and how much the company will pay.^[2]

When to call a licensed pro

For nearly everything after the first photographs. Structural, electrical, gas and heating repairs, soot and smoke remediation and any rebuild need licensed professionals. In Virginia a Class C contractor handles a single contract over $1,000 but less than $30,000, and a Class B contractor handles $30,000 or more but less than $150,000.^[4] DPOR says to check for a valid contractor license using License Lookup or by calling (804) 367-8511.^[3]

Read what happens during fire and smoke damage restoration, what smoke damage cleanup costs and how to check if a contractor is licensed in Virginia. Browse restoration answers or restoration services, and when the building is cleared, describe the damage once to reach licensed local businesses.