Fire and smoke damage restoration in Texas

The first 24 hours after a fire

1. Wait for the all-clear. Don't go back in until the fire department says it's safe. Ask for the incident or report number.
2. Call your insurer and ask about emergency board-up, additional living expenses and advances for immediate needs.
3. Get help if you need a place to stay. The American Red Cross helps families after home fires with shelter, food and other urgent needs.
4. Don't turn on the furnace or air conditioning, and don't wipe soot. Both spread damage.
5. Discard exposed food, drinks and medicine.
6. Photograph everything before cleanup starts, room by room.

Why smoke damage spreads so far

Smoke moves with air pressure and heat, into closets, cabinets, attic space and wall cavities. Rooms the fire never touched can need cleaning, and the HVAC system can carry soot to every vent. Soot residue is also acidic and can etch metal, glass and stone the longer it sits, which is why cleaning should start within days.

Don't forget the water

Firefighting puts a lot of water into a house. That water soaks drywall, insulation and flooring and can lead to mold within a couple of days, so drying is part of fire restoration from day one.