What to Do When You Have Fire & Smoke Damage

Almost every fire loss is also a water loss due to the extinguishing process, and the combination results in a variety of technical challenges. R&E has the staff, skills and equipment necessary to return structures back to normal fast.

We’ll bill your insurance company directly and all necessary work will be performed with as little inconvenience and intrusion as possible.

So call our 24-hour emergency line, and we’ll be on our way fast. Until we arrive, here are some things you can do to minimize additional damage and speed the process of getting you back to normal.

• Keep your hands and shoe soles clean and limit movement in the structure to prevent the spread of soot particles to carpet, upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry towels or old linens over heavily trafficked areas.
• Change the filter in your heating and air conditioning system and don’t turn it on again until it can be inspected by a professional.
• Tape a double layer of cheesecloth over air registers to prevent soot from getting in or out of the duct system.
• Never consume any food or beverages that were in the damaged area. They may be contaminated.
• Avoid turning on any ceiling fixtures in the affected rooms, especially if ceilings and walls are noticeably wet. Wires may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock.
• Don’t turn on any fans, especially ceiling fans. Air movement can create secondary damage.
• Don’t attempt to clean anything in the affected areas before you contact us. This includes walls, carpet and flooring, furniture and any appliances and electronics.