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Fire and Smoke Damage RestorationContents RestorationCatastrophe RestorationAsk Annissa

Ask Annissa

The Human Side of Fire Restoration

Understanding the emotional impacts of fire loss can change the way restorers serve their customers

By Annissa Coy
October 16, 2026

Welcome back to another episode of Ask Annissa. This week, Annissa answers an interesting question from Joel. He asked her, If she could go back 10 years and share one message with restorers, what would it be?

Fire restoration goes far technical knowledge, proper training, equipment, and the ability to build the right scope of work. Annissa takes it further and shares a side that she believes our industry doesn’t focus on enough, the emotional impact.

In the customer’s eyes, you aren’t just cleaning walls, restoring their contents, or making their home healthy again. You’re helping them navigate what may be one of the most traumatic experiences of their life. Understanding that side of the loss can change how you communicate, serve, and how you approach the entire restoration process.

If you’d like to see a topic discussed, send an email to Annissa@FireHouseEducation.com with "Ask Annissa" in the subject line, and you might be featured on a future episode. We will see you next week!

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KEYWORDS: contamination testing customer service smoke cleanup smoke odor remediation wildfire damage restoration

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Annissa coy

Annissa Coy is a well-trained and highly skilled professional with more than two decades of experience in the cleaning and restoration industry and the co-creator of Firehouse Education and Mobile Cleaning Systems. She was also the winner of R&R’s inaugural Recognizing Women in Restoration award in 2017. Be sure to check out Annissa’s weekly videos on www.randrmagonline.com! Have a question for Annissa? E-mail her at Annissa@firehouseeducation.com.

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