Fire damage is a frequent hazard that leads to massive losses in property, infrastructure and even lives. While firefighters will answer your distress call and come help put out the fire, soon you could be on your own and there are a few important things you could do to mitigate the effects of fire damage.

You need to decide quickly whether you can clean up on yourself or not. For damage that appears extensive, it is best to leave the things as they are and to call your insurance agent for a thorough and professional documentation which will assist in the repair process.

If you find fire damage to be limited and decide to proceed with the clean up on your own, there are a number of steps you could follow to try and restore your home. The first thing will be to clean up. Using a shop vacuum, remove the dry soot and any chemical residue that could have been left from fire extinguishers. To improve air circulation in you house and help dissipate the smell of smoke, keep your windows and doors wide open. A room deodorizer will help mask the smell while you work. Household goods that have survived the fire should be cleaned by a professional if the smoke and odor are to be completely eliminated.

To remove loose soot particles from latex paint, blown ceilings and tiles, you are advised to use dry-cleaning sponges and to avoid using household cleaners on the surfaces. Make sure the sponge is dry and proceed to clean beginning with the ceiling, since debris will be falling downwards. After the ceiling, the walls should be cleaned, moving from top to bottom.

While dry-cleaning sponges can be used for most cleaning, they are not to be used for oil-based paint, acrylic paint, vinyl wallpaper or for removing the greasy soot. The sponge should be used dry. Wipe the ceiling first, since debris tends to drop downward. Then work on the walls, moving from top to bottom using straight, parallel strokes that overlap a bit. When the surface of the sponge becomes sooty, simply skim it off with a knife to give the sponge a new cleaning surface.

Dry-cleaning sponges aren't recommended for oil-based paint, acrylic paint, or vinyl wallpaper, or for removing the greasy soot sometimes left by kitchen fires. Instead, use a regular sponge and pine-scented cleaner. Be sure to remove all the soot. The more you get rid of, the faster the smoke smell it contains will dissipate.

Even if the fire damage is heavy and you have filed a claim with your insurance company, you'll still have a mess on your hands. Fortunately, there are services that specialize in post fire cleanup work. Professionals are especially skilled at eliminating the smoky odor that lingers after a fire. Their cleanup arsenal includes ozone generators and special deodorizing chemicals unavailable to consumers.

After a serious fire, you might have to move out of the house during cleanup and repairs. If so, be sure to board up broken windows and other holes. Remove any valuables you can. And consider hiring a security service to keep an eye on your home.

What to do if you have smoke/fire damage

* Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.

* Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.

* Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.

* If electrical service is off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit.

* Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner who specializes in smoke damage.

* Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.

* Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.

* Wipe the leaves of houseplants to remove smoke residue.

* Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.

* Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp.

* If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.

Important warnings on smoke and fire damage

* Do not attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.

* Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again, incorrect procedures could increase damage.

* Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.

* Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.

* Do not touch anything. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing further damage.

* Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire or smoke.

* Do not wait to call for professional help.

Fire damage can be devastating but knowing what you should do once you experience it will lead to better and faster recovery.