House Fire Aftermath — What To Do After the Fire Is Out

Do These 5 Things Right Now

1. Do not re-enter until cleared by fire officials. Structural damage, toxic fumes, and electrical hazards may still be present.
2. Call your insurance company immediately to open a claim and notify them of the loss.
3. Call Snyder Mitigation Restoration at (210) 972-7983. We arrive to assess, board up, and begin the documentation process for your insurance claim.
4. Do not throw anything away — even charred or smoke-damaged items must be inventoried for your insurance claim.
5. Do not use your HVAC system — smoke and soot have likely penetrated your ductwork and will recirculate throughout the home.

What NOT To Do

• Do NOT clean smoke residue with water — it can permanently set soot stains
• Do NOT use fans to air out the house — it drives smoke odor deeper into porous materials
• Do NOT discard items before they are inventoried — everything has a replacement value in your claim
• Do NOT assume the odor will go away on its own — smoke bonds at a molecular level and requires professional treatment

What Happens When You Call Snyder Mitigation

When you call (210) 972-7983, a real team member answers — not a voicemail or answering service. We get your address and the situation, dispatch a crew while we're still on the phone with you, and arrive within 60 minutes. On arrival we assess, extract, document for your insurance claim, and begin the restoration process the same day.

What This Damage Costs Without Fast Action

Smoke residue is acidic and begins permanently etching metal surfaces, chrome fixtures, and glass within hours. Soot sets into fabrics and porous materials within 24–48 hours, making them unrecoverable. Fire suppression water causes secondary water damage that can lead to mold within 48 hours. Fast response saves more — and costs less.

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