If danger is happening now
Tell the dispatcher where the incident is, what you can see from safety, and whether anyone may be missing or unable to leave. Do not go back inside to check a detail, retrieve an object or complete a form. Leave access routes clear for responders.
When responders leave, ask what happens next
Establish who is now responsible for the property and what instructions apply. Entry for a supervised retrieval, contractor access, repair work and normal occupation can be separate decisions. Keep the exact areas and limits of any permission in your notes.
| Question | Information to write down |
|---|---|
| May anyone enter? | Who gave permission, when, which areas and under what conditions. |
| Are utilities restricted? | Which system, who controls it, and the contact for the next assessment. |
| Is temporary protection needed? | The responsible person, scope and authorization for the work. |
| Which report is available? | Incident reference, issuing organization and request process. |
Report the loss without committing to an undefined job
Contact the insurer or broker and describe the immediate situation. Ask who can authorize stabilization and what evidence is needed. Keep the policy discussion separate from the contractor’s proposed scope: approval of a visit is not necessarily approval of a complete rebuild.
If a contractor attends, confirm their business identity and the work order. Keep a copy of the scope, price basis and any limits before signing. Ask which urgent actions are included and which later work requires a new decision.
Give the next person a concise handoff
A useful handoff includes the city, property type, what happened, known access restrictions, affected areas and the question you need resolved. Include whether you are an owner, tenant or manager. If you do not know the cause, say so; do not turn a possibility into an incident finding.
What HAUSE intake does
HAUSE receives recovery enquiries and helps you describe the project and next decision. Sending a form does not dispatch a crew, confirm contractor availability or authorize work. Any assessment, quote and contractor engagement must be confirmed separately.
For a non-emergency recovery discussion, prepare an editable enquiry or call HAUSE intake. If you mainly need a place to begin, use the after-fire guide and the local support directory.
Sources and further reading
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Follow the source’s current guidance and the instructions for the actual property.