Where can I stay after a fire?

Is it safe to return home?

After a fire or flood, access to your home (or business), may be restricted for safety reasons. If that’s the case, you’ll be told this. Do not try to enter for any reason. Follow any instructions given to you by us or the Police.

When there’s severe structural damage, a Local Authority Building Inspector may need to visit and advise on the safety of the building.

Emergency accommodation

If it’s not safe to stay in your home you may want to stay with friends or family, who can offer you emotional support as well as somewhere to stay.

You should also check your insurance policy to see if your insurance will pay for alternative accommodation.

If you don’t have insurance, or your insurance doesn’t cover alternative accommodation, contact your local authority housing department as soon as possible. They can help to arrange temporary emergency accommodation.

If you’re renting - call your landlord or housing association. They will either help you or signpost you to someone who can, for example, your local council or the Housing Executive.

• Find your local council for contact details of their housing department, and out-of-hours emergency information.

Crisis support

The British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Unit offers free practical help and advice for people who have suffered damage to their homes following a fire, flood, or similar incident. You can ask the London Fire Brigade officer-in-charge of the incident to make a referral for you.

• British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support

A fire or flood can cause financial hardship. The local welfare provision scheme (LWP) can provide essentials and short-term financial help in a crisis.

• Contact your local council for more information.