What to Do If You're Caught in a House Fire

It’s a homeowner’s nightmare—flames ripping through your home, thick smoke choking the air, and panic rising with every second. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve responded to fire-damaged homes across Chicago, the North Shore, and nearby suburbs. We know the devastation firsthand. But we also know that preparation saves lives.

Each year, over 350,000 house fires occur in the United States, resulting in more than 2,600 deaths and 11,000 injuries (NFPA). Most of these fatalities happen in homes without working smoke alarms or clear escape plans. That’s why knowing exactly what to do in the event of a house fire isn’t just smart—it’s critical.

Below, we break down the steps to take if you're ever caught in a house fire, including prevention tips and what to expect afterward.

Immediate Steps: What to Do the Moment a Fire Breaks Out

1. Alert Others Loudly and Immediately

• Yell “FIRE!” as soon as you see smoke or flames.
• Do not rely solely on smoke alarms—they may fail, have low batteries, or be in the wrong place.

2. Exit First, Extinguish Second

• Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small and your escape route is clear.
• If there's any doubt about your safety, skip the extinguisher and get out immediately.

3. Follow Your Fire Escape Plan

• Every household should have a practiced escape route with two ways out of every room.
• Stay low—smoke rises, and the cleanest air is near the ground.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a shirt or damp towel if possible.

4. Avoid Dangerous Doors

• If smoke is seeping through a closed door, don’t open it.
• Touch the door and knob with the back of your hand. If hot, find another way out.

5. Seal and Signal if Trapped

• Can’t escape? Seal the door with clothing, tape, or sheets.
• Open a window, call 911, and wave a flashlight or bright cloth to signal your location.

6. Never Use Elevators

• Elevators can fail during fires and trap you inside.
• Always use stairs.

7. Go Directly to Your Safe Meeting Spot

• Every family should have a designated outdoor meeting place.
• Never go back inside for pets, belongings, or even other people—tell firefighters who may be inside.

If Your Clothes Catch Fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll

• Stop immediately.
• Drop to the ground and cover your face.
• Roll over until the flames are out.

Teach this to your children early and practice regularly.

If You’re Caught in an Upper-Level Room

• Look for escape ladders near windows—every upper-level bedroom should have one.
• If you can’t escape, seal the room, stay low, and signal for help.

Important Fire Safety Tips Before It Happens

• Install smoke alarms on every floor and in every bedroom.
• Test alarms monthly and change batteries twice a year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, garage, and laundry room.
• Practice your fire escape plan twice a year—especially with children.

After the Fire: Restoration & Cleanup

After a fire, the danger isn’t over. Soot, smoke, and water damage from firefighting efforts can all harm your health and property. That’s where ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons comes in.

We provide professional:

• Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
• Content Cleaning & Pack-Out
• Odor Removal & HVAC Cleaning

Our certified teams have helped families from Lincoln Park to Winnetka, Glenview to Oak Park, and everywhere in between.

A Personal Note from Our Founders

At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we don’t just respond to fires—we help families rebuild. Our leadership team has over 40 years of combined experience, and we’ve served Chicagoland through Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, the 2021 Texas freeze, and countless local disasters.

When disaster strikes, you need more than cleanup. You need calm, clarity, and trusted professionals. We’re here to help 24/7.

Proudly Serving Chicago & the North Shore

We serve:

• Chicago (Gold Coast, Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Portage Park, West Loop, South Loop, Lakeview, and more)
• North Shore (Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and beyond)
• Oak Park, River Forest, and DuPage County

Related Blog Posts

• Why Your Smoke Alarm Keeps Going Off — 8 Common Causes + Fixes
• 5 Hidden Signs of Water Damage Most Homeowners Miss

About the Author

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and majority owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a multi-award-winning MBE/WBE-certified restoration firm serving Chicago and the North Shore. She is an IICRC-certified expert in fire and smoke restoration, recipient of the Crain’s 40 Under 40 award, the Daily Herald C-Suite Award, and the ServiceMaster Achiever Award. She’s also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.

FAQ (What to Do If Caught in a House Fire)

Q: What should I do first if I smell smoke in my house?

A: Immediately alert others, follow your escape route, and get out. Do not stop to gather belongings.

Q: Should I try to put out a house fire myself?

A: Only attempt to extinguish very small fires if your exit is clear. If there’s any risk, evacuate immediately and call 911.

Q: Is it okay to re-enter the house once the fire looks out?

A: No. Fires can reignite and structural damage may make reentry deadly. Wait for fire officials to clear the property.

Q: What are signs of hidden damage after a fire?

A: Look for lingering smoke odors, soot on walls, and discoloration on HVAC vents—these may require professional cleaning.

Q: Who do I call for fire damage restoration in Chicago?

A: Contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons at (773) 376-1110 for 24/7 emergency response.

🔗 Full List of Services

• Residential Fire Damage Restoration
• Residential Water Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning
• Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup
• Commercial Construction & Build-Back