The First 48 Hours: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses After a Fire

A fire at your commercial property is a chaotic and disorienting event. But the actions you take in the first 48 hours are absolutely critical to ensuring the safety of your team, mitigating further damage, and laying the groundwork for a successful insurance claim. Here is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety Above All Else (Hour 0-1) Do not re-enter the building until the fire department has officially declared it safe. The risk of structural collapse, electrical hazards from water damage, and exposure to toxic soot is extremely high. Account for all employees and personnel.   

Step 2: Make Two Critical Phone Calls (Hour 1-2) Your first call should be to your insurance company to report the loss. This starts the claims process. Get your claim number and the name of the adjuster assigned to your case.   

Your second call should be to a licensed public adjuster. An expert on your side from the very beginning can prevent you from making costly mistakes. The insurance company's adjuster works for them; a public adjuster works only for you.   

Step 3: Document Everything (Hour 2-24) Once it is safe to enter, begin documenting the damage extensively before anything is moved or cleaned. Take hundreds of photos and videos with your smartphone. Capture wide shots of rooms and close-ups of damaged equipment, inventory, and structural elements. This initial documentation is invaluable evidence for your claim.   

Step 4: Secure the Property (Hour 2-24) Your property is now vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and further weather damage. You have a duty under your policy to mitigate further loss. This means arranging for emergency services to board up broken windows and doors and tarp damaged sections of the roof. Keep all receipts for these temporary repairs, as they are typically reimbursable.   

Step 5: Assemble Your Recovery Team (Hour 24-48) Your recovery will require a team of professionals. A public adjuster can help you vet and coordinate these parties:

• A Fire Restoration Company: You need a certified company to handle water extraction, soot cleanup, and deodorization. Do not hire the first company that shows up on site.   

  
  

• Your Public Adjuster: They will manage the entire insurance claim, from documenting the loss to negotiating the final settlement, freeing you to focus on your business continuity plan.
  

Navigating the aftermath of a commercial fire is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking these correct first steps sets the stage for a stronger recovery. If your business has suffered a fire, contact Friedman & Associates for immediate, expert guidance.