What to Do After a House Fire in Annapolis

A house fire turns life upside down in minutes. This guide walks you through what to do after a house fire in Annapolis, in the order it matters. Save it, share it with family, and call our 24/7 line when you're ready to book a fire damage inspection.

What to do in the first hour after a house fire

1. Stay out until cleared. Don't re-enter until the fire department says it's safe. Structures can collapse and hidden embers can re-ignite.
2. Account for everyone — people and pets.
3. Get emergency help if displaced. The American Red Cross helps Maryland families displaced by home fires with immediate needs.
4. Ask the fire officer which utilities were shut off and whether the home can be secured tonight.

In the first 24 hours

1. Call your insurer and open a claim. Ask about Additional Living Expenses for hotel and meals.
2. Secure the property. Book emergency board-up and tarping — insurers expect you to prevent further damage.
3. Book a fire damage inspection. A restoration technician assesses smoke, soot and water damage and starts emergency work.
4. Photograph everything before anything is moved.
5. Retrieve essentials only if cleared to enter: ID, medication, glasses, phone chargers, important papers.
6. Notify your mortgage company, landlord or HOA, and the post office if mail can't be delivered.

Things not to do

• Don't turn on the HVAC, lights or appliances in damaged areas.
• Don't wipe soot from walls, furniture or fabrics — it smears.
• Don't wash smoke-damaged clothing at home before professional treatment.
• Don't eat food, or use medicine or cosmetics, exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Don't throw out damaged items until they've been documented for your claim.
• Don't sign contracts with anyone who knocks on your door uninvited after the fire.

In the first week

1. Get the fire report from the City of Annapolis Fire Department or Anne Arundel County Fire Department.
2. Meet the adjuster, ideally with your restoration company present to walk the damage together.
3. Start drying and cleaning. Water extraction, soot cleanup and smoke damage restoration should be under way.
4. Arrange a contents pack-out so belongings can be cleaned and stored.
5. Keep a log of every call, email, receipt and decision.
6. Replace documents — Maryland MVA for licenses, Social Security, banks and passports as needed.

Working with insurance

Standard Maryland homeowners policies cover sudden, accidental fire, including smoke damage and the water used to put the fire out. You choose your restoration contractor. Keep copies of everything, ask for explanations in writing, and contact the Maryland Insurance Administration if you have a complaint about how your claim is handled. Read our full guide to fire damage insurance claims in Maryland.

Choosing who restores your home

Before you sign, ask for the company's MHIC license number for repair work, proof of insurance, IICRC fire and smoke training, and an itemized written scope. Read more on our fire damage restoration Annapolis page.

After-the-fire questions