Ask Annissa

What Household and Collectible Items Can Be Cleaned with Ultrasonic Methods

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Ask Annissa, Annissa explains how ultrasonic cleaning works and when it can be an effective restoration method for household and collectible items with heavy buildup. She covers suitable materials, common mistakes, and why proper chemistry, dwell time, and monitoring are critical to avoid damage.

Cleaning and Deodorizing Antique Dolls After Wildfire Smoke Damage

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Ask Annissa, a homeowner impacted by the Pacific Palisades Fire asked for guidance on restoring her antique porcelain dolls damaged by the smoke. Annissa shares best practices for cleaning, deodorizing, and documenting.

Questions Homeowners have After a Fire

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

Homeowners often struggle to find and choose a qualified fire restoration company after a loss. Annissa Coy breaks down what proper onboarding looks like, what questions professionals should ask, and how to identify a trained, certified restoration team.

Best Practices for Handling and Cleaning Contents After a Wildfire

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Ask Annissa, she shares best practices for packout, transporting, and cleaning wildfire-contaminated contents. She gives restoration professionals clear, defensible protocols to share with their customers.

How to Safely Clean Soot-Damaged Books

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

After soot damaged a customer’s books in a kitchen fire, an industry professional asked for Annissa’s expert insights on cleaning them safely. See what works and what you should avoid.

Safely Cleaning Smoke-Affected Crystals and Coral

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Have you wondered how you can effectively clean smoke-affected crystals and coral? Annissa Coy shares why client onboarding matters and offers safe, gentle cleaning methods for these specialty items.

How to Protect Your Restoration Business When Clients Move Contents Offsite

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Annissa Coy explains how to protect your restoration company when clients move their cleaned contents to their own storage.

What Equipment Will I Need on a Wildfire Cleanup?

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Check out these must-have tools and expert tips for wildfire cleanup. From HEPA vacuums to air scrubbers, learn how to tackle smoke, soot and debris effectively. Stay prepared for restoration challenges and protect your environment.

The Logistics of Doing CAT Work in Another State

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this week’s Ask Annissa video, learn about the critical steps for tackling wildfire cleanup operations in outside states. We dive into licensing requirements, state-specific laws and insurance essentials, equipping restoration pros with strategies to expand their reach while avoiding legal and regulatory pitfalls.

What About Structure Cleaning?

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Discover the ultimate guide to wildfire-related structure cleaning, covering everything from exterior pressure washing to interior soot removal. Learn how to test contamination levels, select the right products and ensure thorough decontamination. Perfect for beginners and pros alike, this video will help sharpen your wildfire restoration skills.

How Do You Test for Soot Contamination?

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

After a wildfire, assessing contamination is critical to ensure safety and environmental health. Explore effective methods like visual inspections, soot detection with dry cleaning sponges and VOC testing for air and surface analysis. Learn the importance of detailed documentation for claims or disputes.

Ask Annissa: Wildfire Contamination and Invoicing Tips

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Learn how to effectively test for hidden contamination after wildfires, from using specialized sponges to attic inspections and VOC testing. Plus, discover best practices for creating thorough invoices to ensure smooth payment processes.

California's Inferno Part 3: The Final Steps – How to Get Paid

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:45:00 -0500

Learn about the importance of real-time billing and daily updates to keep your cash flow smooth and avoiding common pitfalls. Get ready to streamline your payment process.

California's Inferno Part 2: Assessing Wildfire Damage and Rebuilding Lives

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 09:30:00 -0500

This video dives into assessing wildfire damage, including evaluating residential and commercial properties. Learn about scientific testing, chem sponges, VOCs and more as we guide you through the essential steps.

California's Inferno Part 1: Uncovering the True Impact and Path to Recovery

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 09:30:00 -0500

Explore the shocking statistics and unprecedented damage of California's wildfires in our compelling three-part series. Learn about the hidden costs, essential safety tips, and the critical questions you need to ask before entering affected areas. Uncover the real impact and path to recovery.

How Can Testing Consultants Market to the Restoration & Remediation Market?

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Restoration projects need testing – but they need it now.

To Pack-Out or Not to Pack-Out

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Annissa gives a high-level overview of the difference between cleaning in place vs. packing out.

Does My Restoration Business Need a License?

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Ask Annissa! Annissa talks about licensing and regulation in the restoration industry

Packing and Like Cleaning Method in Contents Restoration

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Annissa gives us best practices on using the Like Cleaning Method.

Organizing T&M Billing Sheets

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Annissa gives us best practices on organizing T&M Billing Sheets.

Content Software Usage in the Restoration and Remediation Industry

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Annissa gives us knowledge on choosing the best content software for your company needs.

How to Properly Bill for Fire Restoration

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Annissa gives us knowledge on how to properly bill for fire restoration services.

Innovative Ideas to Transform the Restoration Industry

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Annissa chats with technician Israel Ward on how to get new ideas to help improve the industry heard and then executed.

Billing for Packouts

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Annissa gives us tips on billing for a packout.

Ask Annissa: To Charge for It or Not To Charge for It

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Annissa talks about billing.

Ask Annissa: Hydroxyl and Deodorization

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Annissa talks about different ways to utilize the Hydroxyl machine, how to choose the best unit.

How Do You Get the Smoke Smell Out of Oil Paintings?

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

This edition of Ask Annissa covers the best ways to remove smoke odor from oil paintings.

How Do You Know If Your Restoration Estimate Is Accurate?

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

This edition of Ask Annissa addresses the method for developing a fair and accurate estimate.

Special Episode: Touring an Australian Mobile Restoration Unit

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:30:00 -0500

This edition of Ask Annissa takes a tour of the mobile restoration unit for Steamatic, an Australian restoration firm.

Restoration During Christmas Time Needs Extra TLC

Annissa@firehouseeducation.com (Annissa Coy) — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

This edition of Ask Annissa deals with the heightened emotions people experience during the holidays and the challenges that creates when disaster strikes.