# The first 24 hours after fire or water damage

> A clear step-by-step plan for the first, chaotic hours. What do you do first, and what can wait a little?

*Gepubliceerd: 2026-06-08* · *Categorie: uitleg*

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The first hours after a fire or a major leak are confusing. The steps below help you keep a cool head and protect your position later on.

## 1. See to safety first

People and animals come before everything else. After a fire, only go back inside once the fire brigade has declared it safe. In the case of water damage: switch off the electricity in wet rooms where possible, and turn off the mains water if water keeps flowing.

## 2. Limit further damage (your duty to mitigate)

You are legally required to limit further damage as soon as it is safe to do so — for example by catching water, moving belongings or temporarily sealing a leak. These reasonable costs can often be reclaimed later, so keep your receipts.

## 3. Record everything on camera — before you clear up

Photograph and film the damage well before you start cleaning or throwing anything away. Do not dispose of damaged belongings until they have been recorded; they are your evidence.

## 4. Report the damage to your insurer

Report it as soon as possible via the app, the portal or your intermediary. Keep it factual: what, when, the suspected cause and the measures you took. Ask for a claim number.

## 5. Do not sign your agreement to anything yet

You do not have to accept a first loss figure straight away. Take your time, and know that you have the right to engage your own independent expert.

> **Remember** — Safety → limit the damage → record → report → do not sign too quickly. In that order you will be fine.