Put safety and official clearance first
Call 911 for active fire, medical emergencies, a suspected gas leak, exposed electrical hazards, or an unsafe structure. Do not enter a fire-damaged building until the fire department or other authority says it is safe.
Do not climb on a damaged roof, lean a ladder against unstable walls, or handle broken glass near an opening. Keep children, pets, customers, and employees away from the hazard and follow any police or fire instructions before moving materials.
Identify openings that need temporary protection
Emergency board up may be needed for broken windows or glass doors, damaged exterior doors and frames, roof openings, exposed walls or storefronts, and openings created by emergency crews during access.
Photograph the opening from a safe distance before work begins. Include wide exterior views, close views of damaged materials, and any water or debris already inside so the original loss and stabilization work can be documented clearly.
- Confirm that authorities have released the site for stabilization work.
- Record exposed openings and active weather or security concerns.
- Protect loose belongings only when the area is safe to enter.
- Do not attempt elevated or structurally damaged protection without qualified help.
Secure the property and preserve the claim record
Once officials allow access, a restoration crew can assess the damaged opening, install temporary protection suited to the surrounding materials, and document the work. Board up is temporary stabilization, not a finished building-envelope repair.
Notify the insurer as soon as practical, retain photos and receipts, and avoid discarding damaged materials without insurer direction unless they present an immediate safety hazard. A fire loss may also require water extraction, soot cleanup, smoke-odor work, contents decisions, or repair planning.
Related First Response services
When the situation needs more than general guidance, these services connect the next decision to the appropriate restoration response.
