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The Do’s and Don’ts of Handling Fire Damage Restoration
The Do’s and Don’ts of Handling Fire Damage Restoration
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Handling Fire Damage Restoration

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be daunting. At Tidal Wave Response, we understand the overwhelm that many property owners feel after such…

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June 03, 2026
The Do’s and Don’ts of Handling Fire Damage Restoration

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be daunting. At Tidal Wave Response, we understand the overwhelm that many property owners feel after such an emergency. Our team of specialists enjoy helping our local Atlanta, Georgia area clients successfully restore their properties following fires, floods and other catastrophic events. We want to help you do the same. Here are some tips on what to do, and what not to do, when handling fire damage restoration.

What to Do to Successfully Restore Your Property After a Fire

  • Always make safety your number one priority. Though things may appear to be safe and sound, there may be hidden damage to your plumbing, electrical wiring or important structural elements. Make sure that the fire department and other authorities have determined it is safe enough for you to enter your property.
  • Take pictures of everything. This will provide evidence of damage for the insurance company.
  • Toss out any consumables like soda cans or stored food. They may have been contaminated.
  • Change out your furnace filters.
  • Protect furniture with

Reviews

Cassandra Abdus-Salaam

Alpharetta, GA

Hi. I don’t know where to start. John and Tidal wave his company were and still are a blessing from my Lord. One morning in January of this year I went down stairs and stepped in a puddle of water it was flooded. I also passed out. This was the second one in less than a year. I stood there for a minute and just cried. All I could think of was my insurance company may not take care of it a second time even if it was for a different leak. The last claim they paid out $23,000 for…

John Ayer

Atlanta, GA

John Mayer, Principal of Tidal Wave Response, and his project management team, lead by Colin Galubinski, has completed the restoration of my home in record time. The work included, but was not limited to the following: 1) Professional water leak detection 2) Professional plumbing that removed the concrete slab and backfill material, found and repaired the PEX cold water pipe 3) Backfilled and placed concrete to finish grade 4) Packed the furniture to storage. Restored the furniture without incident nor damage. 5) Dehumidified and removed the damaged carpet and hardwoods. 6) Cleaned the concrete surface and installed the new hardwoods.…

Spenser Hewett

Brookhaven, GA

I have worked in sales and also have experience in launching my own business. It is rare that you find a company that genuinely has your best interest in mind. Not only was John helpful outside of his business’ expertise, but he sent Chris to do a *free* evaluation of our water damage. John and Chris were both genuine and personable. They cared about what our situation was and they weren’t looking to get any sort of “fee” for their time. These are the kind of people you trust to handle big, catastrophic water damage to. I have previously had…

James B

Chamblee, GA

While others might categorize John as a fast talker, but on the other hand. I saw a man that's passionate about his business and willing to help others elevate their present situation. In early December 2022, our laundry room floor and wall got water damaged due to leakage from the hotline pipe, and other rooms got impacted due to water spreading. So, I reached out to John and he assured me they'll do everything within their power to get our house done before Christmas day. Boy was he right! John and the tidalwave response team were professional, helpful and got…

Anne Berman

Cumming, GA

We did not plan to renovate our terrace level but when the hot water heater leaked and flooded the entire area, Tidal Wave was recommended to us by the plumber who installed the new hot water heater. John, the owner was at our house the same evening and mitigation started early the next morning. The crew professionally removed wet drywall, flooring, and baseboard. Fans and dehumidifiers ran for several days and then the fun began. With Colin's help we were able to choose updated flooring, repaint a color of our choice, and new trim was installed. Everything was completed professionally.…

Hunter smith

Decatur, GA

Wow incredible company! I had a water damage that destroyed my entire main level. John and his team are very quick and efficient. When I was looking on google, tidal wave response was the only water restoration company with a 5 star review. Highly recommended using tidal wave response!!

Meme Dupree

Doraville, GA

I had a flood in my downstairs living room. It was devastating. John with Tidal wave was very professional. He had his team show up immediately to get the job done. Great work Tidal Wave. I'm definitely going to refer you to others.

pam kunc

Duluth, GA

Thank Goodness !!! Johnny on the spot! We had a pipe ruptured in the ceiling and we were looking for a 5 Star Rated Water Restoration company . Johnny came out with a Thermal Camera and found the pipe spraying behind the wall. I wish I would have called him sooner . My wood floors were so damaged by the water, they all will need to be replaced. We highly recommended Johnny with Tidal Wave. Very knowledgeable and even helped us start a claim with our insurance ..

Randy Fann

Dunwoody, GA

Had a shaky start with this particular project but I must say the owner took charge and corrected all the remaining issues. I will say that this particular job was the absolute worst I have taken on in 45 yrs. My hat is off to Mike and his crew and Allan was superb in making sure everything was done correctly. Thank you for your follow-up on this project guys. And Allan thank you especially for your thoroughness in making sure it was completed correctly.

Kadeja Edwards

Johns Creek, GA

Unfortunately, my water heater was old, cracked, and leaking water onto the supported area in my garage. I needed to replace the water heater with a new one, but the plumber told me that in order to meet the city code, I would have to handle the water damage first. I called out tidal wave (who I’ve worked with before), and they came out the very next day to cut out the affected area and treat for mold. This is my second issue with water in my house and tidal wave has taken care of both issues. They are fast,…

sheets or plastic covers.
  • Take clothes, shoes and other accessories to the dry cleaners if necessary.
  • Open the doors and windows for fresh air if the climate is appropriate.
  • Get in touch with your insurance agent as quickly as possible, this will ensure a fast and proper assessment of the fire damage.
  • Get help from a reliable local restoration company.
  • Take the steps to prevent future fire damage by installing quality smoke alarms, keeping fire extinguishers handy and forming good habits with appliances and equipment that may be hazardous.
  • What Mistakes Should Be Avoided when Handling Fire Damage Restoration?

    • Entering the property blindly, without any awareness of potential hazards.
    • Begin the cleanup process before taking pictures or speaking with your insurance company. This can make it more difficult for your agent to properly assess the damage.
    • Restoring your gas, electric or water without knowing if it is safe to do so.
    • Trying to do all the work yourself. Restoration can be very complex, and performance can be adversely affected by the psychological and physical trauma that may have resulted from the fire incident. Let someone with the right level of training and experience h

    Reasons to Choose Tidal Wave

    We Bill Your Insurance Directly

    We Bill Your Insurance Directly

    We Accept All Insurance Claims

    We Accept All Insurance Claims

    Licensed & Certified Technicians

    Licensed & Certified Technicians

    30 Minutes Response Time

    30 Minutes Response Time

    Locally & Family Owned

    Locally & Family Owned

    24/7 Emergency Service

    24/7 Emergency Service

    Never an Overtime Charge

    Never an Overtime Charge
    andle the difficult tasks, so you can focus on other important details.

    Why Is It Important to Hire Professionals for Your Fire Damage Restoration?

    Handling the cleanup process can be very dangerous and overwhelming for property owners. A professional restoration company, like Tidal Wave Response, will have the specialized tools and equipment needed to take care of every detail safely and effectively. When you hire a qualified specialist for the job, you can avoid the risks and ensure that your investments are in good hands at every stage of the process.

    Do You Need Help Restoring Your Property After a Fire? Call Tidal Wave Response Today

    Did you recently suffer from a major fire in your home or commercial property? Then call the experts at Tidal Wave Response today. Our qualified professionals are always ready to come to the rescue with our 24 hour emergency services. Our specialists will arrive at your metro Atlanta, Georgia area location within 15 to 25 minutes. Contact our office for more information about our water, sewage, smoke and fire damage restoration services or to discuss the details of your situation.

    Our Services

    From emergency water extraction to full property recovery, Tidal Wave Response provides the fast, expert care you need. Browse our complete suite of 24/7 restoration services below to see how we can help today.

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