What Are The First Steps To Fire Damage Restoration?

Experiencing a fire in your home—no matter the size—is overwhelming. Beyond the visible destruction, there’s smoke, soot, and water damage left behind. Knowing what to do in the hours and days following a fire can make all the difference in protecting your property and starting the recovery process the right way.

At A+ Restoration, we’ve helped countless Covington homeowners navigate fire damage restoration with confidence and compassion. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the critical first steps to take after a fire, so you can move forward quickly, safely, and with peace of mind.

1. Ensure Safety First and Contact Emergency Services

Your safety—and your family’s—comes before anything else. If you haven’t already, make sure the fire is completely out and the property has been cleared by emergency responders.

Here’s what to do immediately:

• Evacuate and don’t re-enter until fire officials say it’s safe
• Call 911 or your local fire department if the fire is still active
• Seek medical attention if anyone has smoke inhalation symptoms
• Notify your homeowner’s insurance company about the fire
• Don’t turn on any utilities (gas, electricity, water) until cleared

“What should I do right after a house fire?”
After the fire is extinguished and it’s safe to return, document the damage, secure the property, and contact a fire damage restoration company to begin the recovery process.

At A+ Restoration, we’re available 24/7 to help secure and assess your property.

2. Document the Damage and Secure the Property

Before cleanup begins, take photos or videos of the damage. This step is important for both insurance purposes and determining the restoration scope.

Steps to document and secure your home:

• Take wide-angle and close-up photos of all affected areas
• Note damaged personal belongings and structural areas
• Board up broken windows and secure doors to prevent theft or weather exposure
• Cover holes in the roof with tarps if it’s safe to do so

Don’t throw anything away until your insurance adjuster has reviewed the damage.

Need help with emergency board-up and property protection? A+ Restoration offers immediate response services to secure your home after a fire.

3. Call a Fire Damage Restoration Company

Fire restoration isn’t a DIY job. Between structural damage, hazardous materials, and smoke residue, you need professionals to ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly.

Call A+ Restoration for:

• Emergency damage assessment
• Smoke and soot removal
• Water extraction from fire-fighting efforts
• Deodorization and air purification
• Structural drying and cleaning

“Who cleans up after a house fire?”
Professional fire damage restoration companies like A+ Restoration handle everything from cleanup to repairs, ensuring your home is safe and habitable again.

We specialize in full-service fire and smoke damage restoration for Covington homeowners.

4. Start the Fire Cleanup and Restoration Process

Once the site is secure and assessed, the cleanup begins. Fire damage restoration involves more than just removing soot—it’s a multi-step process to return your home to pre-fire condition.

Fire damage restoration steps include:

1. Debris removal – Burned items and hazardous materials are safely disposed of.
2. Water mitigation – Extracting water and drying areas affected by fire-fighting efforts.
3. Smoke and soot cleanup – Specialized cleaning of walls, ceilings, HVAC systems, and surfaces.
4. Odor removal – HEPA air scrubbers and thermal fogging neutralize lingering smoke smells.
5. Repairs and rebuild – Structural work like drywall, flooring, roofing, and painting.

“How long does fire restoration take?”
It depends on the severity. Small fires may take a few days to restore, while larger fires can take weeks or even months. A+ Restoration provides a detailed timeline after your initial inspection.

5. Coordinate with Insurance and Begin Repairs

Fire damage can be financially and emotionally stressful, but your insurance policy may cover much of the restoration. It’s important to stay organized and informed.

How to navigate insurance claims:

• Work with your restoration company to create a damage inventory
• Provide documentation and receipts for lost items
• Let your restoration team communicate directly with your adjuster
• Ask about temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable

At A+ Restoration, we assist with insurance coordination and ensure your claim is backed by proper documentation and damage reports.

Let A+ Restoration Help You Rebuild After Fire Damage

Recovering from a fire takes time—but you don’t have to do it alone. A+ Restoration is Covington’s trusted fire damage cleanup and restoration company, here to help you reclaim your home with expert care and compassion.

Call us today at 859-568-5284
Visit aplusrestoration.org
Find us on Google Maps

From emergency response to full restoration, we’re here when you need us most—so you can focus on what really matters: getting your life back on track.