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The Emotional Shock of Fire

House fires leave more than physical damage—they disrupt routines, scatter belongings, and create enormous stress. In Minnesota, thousands of homeowners face this nightmare each year.

Here’s a clear roadmap for what to do when the unthinkable happens.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety

• Don’t re-enter the home until cleared by fire officials.
  
  
• Watch for hidden dangers: unstable floors, hot embers, toxic smoke residue.
  
  

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company

• Start the claim immediately.
  
  
• Document everything with photos and videos.
  
  
• Keep damaged belongings (they may be needed for proof).
  
  

Step 3: Contact a Fire Restoration Team

• Lakeside offers emergency board-up, roof tarping, and water extraction.
  
  
• The sooner mitigation begins, the less secondary damage you’ll face.
  
  

Step 4: Secure Temporary Housing

• Ask your insurer about ALE coverage (Additional Living Expenses).
  
  
• Lakeside helps coordinate lodging, meals, and essentials while repairs happen.
  
  

Step 5: Salvage What You Can

• Separate undamaged belongings quickly to prevent smoke odor absorption.
  
  
• Clean clothes and fabrics with professional smoke-removal processes.
  
  

Step 6: Plan for Long-Term Recovery

• Expect restoration to take weeks or months.
  
  
• Work with a contractor who can handle both cleanup and rebuild.
  
  

Final Word

After a fire, you may feel overwhelmed—but you don’t have to navigate recovery alone. Lakeside Restoration guides Minnesota families step by step, from the first emergency call to moving back into a fully restored home.