Do not enter the fire damaged site. Fires can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains.
Normally, the fire department will see that utilities (water, electricity and natural gas) either are safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. Do not attempt to turn on utilities yourself.
Be watchful for structural damage caused by the fire. Roofs and floors may be damaged and subject to collapse.
Food, beverages, and medicine exposed to heat, smoke, soot, and water should not be consumed.

Contact your local police department to let them know that the site will be unoccupied.
In some cases it may be necessary to board up openings to discourage trespassers.
Beginning immediately, save receipts for any money you spend. These receipts are important in showing the insurance company what money you have spent related to your fire loss, and also for verifying losses claimed on your income tax.

Q. Why are windows broken or holes cut in the roof?
As a fire burns, it moves upward, then outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation) slows the damaging outward movement, helps remove blinding smoke that obscures the actual fire, and enables firefighters to fight the fire more efficiently. The result of this action is less damage to the structure in the long run.
Q. Why are holes cut in walls?
This is done so that the fire department is absolutely sure that the fire is completely out, and that there is no fire inside the walls or in other hidden places.
Q. Is it possible to obtain a copy of the fire report?
In most localities such as Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Miramar,etc., a fire report is a public document and is available at the fire department or fire marshal’s office.

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the Red Cross, if you need
  temporary housing, food, and medicines.
• If you are insured, contact Total Claims Adjusting for detailed instructions
  on protecting the property, conducting inventory, and contacting fire damage
  restoration companies. If you are not insured, try contacting private
  organizations for aid and assistance.
• Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be
  watchful of any structural damage caused by fire.
• The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or
  are disconnected before they leave the site. DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities
  yourself.
• Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any
  damaged goods until after an inventory is made.
• Try to locate valuable documents and records. Refer to information on
  contacts and the replacement process inside this brochure.
• If you leave your home, contact the local police department to let them know
  the site will be unoccupied.
• Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts
  may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed
  on income tax.
• Notify your mortgage company of the fire.
• Check with an accountant or the Internal Revenue Service about special benefits
  for people recovering from fire loss.

• For further information visit: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov