What Not to Do After a Fire: Expert Tips for Fire Damage Restoration in East Tennessee
Even Small Fires Can Leave Big Damage
The smell lingers long after the flames are gone. Black soot stains your walls. Furniture is soaked with the water that saved your home, but at what cost?
If you’ve just experienced a fire, we want to start by saying we’re sorry. It’s disorienting. It’s emotional. And it’s one of those moments when you realize just how fragile “normal” can be. Whether it was a kitchen mishap, a lightning strike, or something more devastating, fires leave behind more than just smoke and ashes. They leave behind uncertainty, a sense of loss, and overwhelming feelings.
At Precision Structures, Inc., we’ve walked alongside dozens of homeowners through the aftermath of fire damage restoration in East Tennessee. We know how difficult it is to make decisions in the middle of chaos. That’s why we’ve put together this blog on what not to do after a fire, so you can avoid costly mistakes and start picking up the pieces the right way.
While you might be tempted to jump into cleanup mode, some of the most well-meaning actions can cause more harm than good. Here’s what you should avoid:
1. Don’t clean walls, upholstery, or carpet on your own
Soot and smoke damage require specialized cleaning methods and materials. Using regular household cleaners can smear soot or set stains permanently. Carpets and furniture can hold onto smoke odors deep in the fibers, and without professional equipment, those smells can linger for years.
2. Don’t turn on or plug in electrical appliances
If a fire occurred near appliances or wiring, do not plug anything in or try to test it. Even if something looks fine, internal damage from heat or moisture could be dangerous. An electrician or fire damage professional should inspect your systems before use.
3. Don’t eat food exposed to heat, smoke, or water
Heat and smoke can contaminate sealed items, even canned goods. If food, beverages, or medicine were stored near the fire, it’s safest to discard them. The same applies to frozen or refrigerated items if the power was out for any amount of time.
4. Don’t flip light switches if the ceiling is damp
Water from firefighting efforts often travels where you least expect. If you notice wet ceilings or walls, don’t risk using electricity in those areas. Damaged wiring can lead to electric shock or a second fire. Let a professional team trained in fire damage restoration inspect it first.
5. Don’t send smoke-damaged clothes to a regular dry cleaner
Smoke odor is difficult to remove from clothing. Many dry cleaners aren’t equipped to handle fire-damaged garments. Standard dry cleaning may lock in odors or damage delicate fabrics. Instead, use restoration professionals who specialize in treating garments affected by smoke, soot, and fire.
What You Should Do After a Fire
Once everyone is safe and emergency services have arrived, you can begin documenting the damage. Take photos and notes, and avoid throwing away any major items until your insurance adjuster has visited. Next, contact both your insurance provider and a trusted fire damage restoration company in East Tennessee, like Precision Structures, Inc.
From the moment you call, our team steps in to take pressure off your shoulders. We can assist with:
Emergency board-up services
Smoke and soot removal
Structural fire damage assessments
Insurance documentation and coordination
Full rebuilds after catastrophic loss
Why This Matters
Restoring your property is about more than fixing walls and replacing furniture. It’s about protecting your investment, speeding up your insurance claim, and keeping your family safe. Mistakes made during early cleanup could void parts of your claim or make the damage worse.
When you’re in the middle of one of life’s hardest moments, you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone.
Let Precision Structures, Inc. Help You Rebuild
Located in Dandridge and proudly serving all of East Tennessee and beyond, Precision Structures, Inc. provides certified, compassionate fire damage restoration. From the moment the flames are extinguished to the day you move back in, we are by your side. We work with all major insurance providers and local adjusters to advocate for you and ensure your home is restored the right way.
Whether you’ve had smoke damage in one room or need a full structural rebuild, we’re ready to help you heal and rebuild.
Need help now? Contact Precision Structures, Inc. today to schedule a free estimate for fire damage restoration in East Tennessee.