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The first step in fire damage restoration is having a pro come in right away to help control moisture (if authorities used water to extinguish a fire at your home). Skipping moisture removal puts your home at risk for invasive mold and rot that can cause added property damage and health issues. Once you have the bulk of the water out, you’ll need to run blower fans for 24 to 72 hours to remove moisture.

In many cases, homeowners insurance covers smoke damage remediation, but coverage depends on the cause of the damage and the specifics of your policy. Typically, damage from a house fire, wildfire, or even a fire in a neighboring home is covered. However, damage from cigarette smoke is generally not covered.

Before filing a claim, review your policy to understand what is covered, such as restoration costs, replacement of damaged items, and temporary relocation. It's crucial to document all damage thoroughly, including to furniture and personal belongings. Contact your insurance provider promptly to start the claim process and get an evaluation before hiring professionals. Your insurer may also provide a list of approved smoke remediation companies to streamline the process.

Smoke can be tricky to remove from your home, especially after a fire. The best way to eliminate the smell is to open the windows to increase ventilation and air circulation in your house. Then, use white vinegar to wipe down walls, furniture, and floors. Try steam-cleaning carpet and other upholstered items to remove the smell of smoke.

It depends. For new ovens, it’s best to run a few empty cycles to prepare the oven for use and to keep any manufacturing byproducts from entering your food. But if your oven is smoking due to a few burnt pieces of old food, then it probably won’t hurt to eat it. If there’s a lot of smoke, then your food probably won’t taste good, even if it might not be harmful to consume.