Austin Fire Damage Q&A

​The Steam Team handles all types of Austin restoration and remediation projects. We've been doing it for more than 30 years and we have thousands of satisfied customer all throughout central Texas. We've prepared this Q&A to help you be prepared in the event of a fire or water emergency.

If my business experiences a fire or water damage, do I need to call my insurance company before calling The Steam Team?  You have a choice when choosing a company to restore your business. Plus, when an emergency strikes, it is imperative to begin the restoration process as soon as possible to minimize the amount of damage done to your home and belongings. The Steam Team recommends that you contact a professional restoration company first to schedule a team to evaluate the damage and then immediately calling your insurance company afterward. This ensures that you will have two professional evaluations of the damage in your home to compare against one another. Since the first 48 hours after a water emergency are the most critical to avoid mold and mildew growth, it is best to have as much information as possible when trusting restoration and insurance companies.

My business has just experienced a fire. I’ve called a restoration company and my insurance company. Now, what do I do?

  • Do not walk on damaged carpet or sit on upholstered furniture unless absolutely necessary.
  • Change the furnace filter if the blower is operating.
  • Do not attempt to wipe or wash walls or other absorbent or porous surfaces.
  • Do not consume any food items exposed to smoke or excessive heat.
  • Open windows for ventilation.
  • Do not use any electronics or appliances until they have been cleaned and/or checked.


My business has just experienced water damage. I’ve called a restoration company and my insurance company. Now, what do I do?

  • If you can’t stop the flow of water, contact a plumber immediately.
  • If possible, keep the indoor temperature below 70 degrees. This helps prevent microbial growth.
  • Place foil or plastic below furniture legs to prevent rust or furniture stains on flooring.
  • Turn off the electricity to any affected rooms.
  • Place draperies through coat hangers and hang them on the rod to prevent water circles.
  • Be extremely careful on wet, slippery floors.
  • Remove items from the floor in affected closets.
  • Remove breakable items from items that will need to be moved.
  • Remove oriental or area rugs off of wet carpet.
  • Do not use a household vacuum as this may cause an electrical shock.
  • Try not to walk on wet carpeting as this may spread water to unaffected areas.


I just noticed some sort of growth on my wall. What should I do?

  • Mold grows when there is exposure to moisture and/or water. Stop the source of water intrusion, if possible.
  • Call a restoration company immediately to have the growth evaluated.
  • Do not disturb the growth. This may cause spores to become air borne and spread spores to unaffected areas.
  • Do not apply direct air movement from fans or your HVAC system to the growth. This also may cause spores to become air borne and contaminate other areas.
  • Close off the area if possible until a qualified inspection technician arrives.
  • By law, a technician cannot tell you whether the growth is mold during the first visit. The technician must take a sample to a lab for testing. While results are being processed, keep the affected area closed off as much as possible.

​