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What to Do Before the Adjuster Arrives After a Fire

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Secure Your Home

After the fire department leaves, your home may be exposed to the elements. Board up broken windows and doors to keep out rain and animals. If the roof has holes, cover them with a tarp to prevent water from entering. This is about protecting your home from additional damage, which you can often do yourself or with help from a local contractor.

Take photos of any damage you see before you make temporary repairs. Your insurer needs to know the original state of the property. Keep all receipts for materials you buy, like plywood or tarps. Those costs may be part of your claim, but policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

  • Board up broken windows and doors
  • Cover roof holes with a tarp
  • Turn off water and gas if safe to do so
  • Remove wet items that could cause mold
  • Keep a list of all emergency supplies you purchase

Document the Scene

Walk through every room and take clear photos and videos. Capture the fire damage, soot, and any water used to put out the flames. Open closets and cabinets, and photograph the contents. This visual record helps you remember details later and gives the adjuster a full picture.

Write down a list of damaged belongings, including the brand, model, and approximate age if you know it. Do not throw anything away until the adjuster has seen it. If you must discard items for safety, photograph them first and note what you removed. Your notes and images become your evidence.

If you live in Burnsville, keep your shutoff valve location written down for future reference. This small step can help you react faster in an emergency.

  • Photograph each room from multiple angles
  • Record close-ups of damaged items
  • Note the make and model of appliances
  • Keep a written inventory of belongings
  • Save receipts for any repairs you make

Prevent Further Loss

Your policy may require you to take reasonable steps to protect your property. That means making temporary repairs, like patching a hole in the roof, to stop more damage. You do not need to do permanent restoration yet. The goal is to keep the situation from getting worse before the adjuster sees it.

If water from firefighting efforts has soaked carpets or drywall, you may need to remove wet materials to prevent mold growth. This is a health and safety concern. You can take basic steps, but for extensive drying, consider contacting local water damage pros for structural drying and dehumidification.

  • Patch roof leaks with a tarp
  • Remove soaked rugs and padding
  • Set up fans to circulate air
  • Empty standing water from buckets or pans
  • Keep damaged items in a separate area for inspection

Prepare Your Documents

Gather your insurance policy, home inventory, and any receipts for recent purchases. The adjuster will want to verify what you owned and its value. Having these documents ready speeds up the process. You do not need to prepare a formal report, just a folder with the basics.

Make a list of questions you have about your coverage, such as whether temporary housing is included. Write down the adjuster's name and contact information when you meet. Keep a log of every conversation, including the date and what was discussed. This helps you stay organized.

Know What to Expect

The adjuster will inspect the damage, ask questions, and may take their own photos. They might measure rooms and note the condition of your home. You can walk through the property with them and point out specific damage. Be honest about what happened and what you saw.

The adjuster will not make decisions about coverage on the spot. They submit a report to your insurer, who then decides what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. If you disagree with the outcome, you can ask for a review, but you do not need a lawyer for that.

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Call (952) 522-6744 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I clean up soot before the adjuster sees the home?

You can wipe down surfaces to make the home safer, but do not deep clean or remove soot from walls and ceilings. The adjuster needs to see the extent of the soot damage to assess your claim. Take photos before you clean anything.

What if I need to throw away damaged items?

If an item is a safety hazard, like food or a soaked mattress, you can discard it, but photograph it first and note what you removed. Keep a list of discarded items. The adjuster can still include them in your claim based on your documentation.

Can I hire a contractor before the adjuster comes?

You can hire a contractor for emergency repairs to prevent further damage, like boarding up windows. Keep all receipts and invoices. For permanent restoration, wait until after the adjuster has inspected the property. Your contractor can then provide a detailed scope of work.

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