House Fire? Mercury's 6 Steps for the First 24 Hours
Los Angeles – October 15, 2026 -- Homeowners hit by a house fire do not need a full inventory of losses or a repair estimate before calling their insurer, according to Mercury Insurance, which has published a six-step guide for the first 24 hours after a fire.
Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance, says the goal is to protect the family, preserve information and get recovery moving, and that homeowners do not need every answer right away.
Stay out until officials say the home is safe
Homeowners should not enter a fire-damaged structure until emergency officials confirm it is safe. Fire can weaken floors, walls, ceilings and electrical systems even when damage is not visible, and smoke, soot and contaminated water can remain hazards after the flames are out. If the home is unsafe, families should find a secure place for people and pets to stay and should not try to retrieve belongings from an unstable building.
