Steam Smart Pro Carpet Duct & Tile Cleaning 

How to Prepare for Flooding in Your Home: 10 Tips

Eric Bullard • 28 February 2023
Water Damage Restoration in Tucson, AZ

One of the most expensive and destructive types of damage your home can take is water damage. Water leaks and flooding can destroy your walls, flooring, carpeting, ceilings, structural components, and personal belongings. Knowing how to prepare for flooding in your home can save you tons of money on repairs and keep your family and possessions safe.


At Steam Smart Pro, we’ve been providing water damage restoration in Tucson, AZ, for over nine years, and we’ve seen the kind of problems it can cause homeowners and their families. If your home has suffered water damage, let the professionals at Steam Smart Pro take care of it before it gets worse.


In this guide, we’ll provide some helpful tips for flood preparation to keep you and your family safe, reduce damage to your property, and minimize out-of-pocket repair costs.


1. Do You Live in a Flood Zone? Find Out Now!

When buying a home, one of the most important things to do is find out if it’s in a flood zone. If you don’t know if you live in an area at high flood risk, you can find out on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website. The flood zone categories’ labeling may seem confusing, but the breakdown below should help.


  • Zones marked with an A or V classification are high-risk flood areas.
  • Zones with a B, C, or X classification are average to low flood-risk areas.
  • Zones marked with a D classification are undetermined at this time.


2. Get Flood Insurance

Ordinary homeowners’ insurance will not cover costs related to flood damage. If you live in a high-risk flood zone, your mortgage lender will likely require you to get flood insurance. However, many homeowners who live in low-risk areas get flood insurance policies since the threat of even the most minor flooding can be a costly problem.


3. Raise Your Home’s Electrical Components

If you live in an area with a risk of flooding, you should raise all the switches, sockets, and wiring in your home to reduce the risk of electrocution. The power lines connected to your house carry a lot of voltage, and when water floods your home and makes contact with the electrical components, it creates a hazardous situation for you and your family. You should keep any heating devices in your home up high for the same reason.


Water that gets into your electrical system is not only dangerous; it can also destroy your home’s entire electrical network.


4. Protect Your Basement

If your home is in a flood zone, the area most vulnerable to flood water is the basement. Positioning all the electrical outlets and switches as high as possible in your basement will prevent issues like those discussed above. Applying a concrete sealer to the basement walls will protect them from water damage.


Homeowners who get groundwater in their basements should install sump pumps to prevent basement flooding. If you think your home needs a sump pump, consider purchasing a battery-powered backup. If a storm or flood causes a power outage, your ordinary sump pump will be useless until the power returns.


5. Prepare an Emergency Kit

If you’re wondering how to prepare for flooding in your home in regards to being stuck there, one of the most vital things to have in that situation is a well-stocked emergency kit. You should have enough food and water to last at least three days. The more people you have under your roof, the more water and food you’ll need.


Below are the essentials for a three-day flood emergency kit:


  • Canned food and other non-perishables
  • One gallon of water for each person per day
  • Any necessary medicine or medications
  • Charged emergency cellphone
  • IDs, social security cards, and birth certificates
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries


6. Plan Your Evacuation Routes

Should it become necessary to evacuate the area, it’s best to have a plan in place to keep your family safe and organized. Choose a destination and map out a safe route to get there. Plan out several evacuation routes, so you can change course if the roads flood or traffic starts piling up in one direction. 


7. Watch for Flood Alerts

If you live in a flood zone, you should always be on the lookout for flood alerts. You may get an alert on your phone or see one on your television. Following your local weather will help you stay ahead of potential floods and keep you prepared.


Once a flood alert has gone out, you need to take immediate action to secure your home.


8. Protect Your Belongings

Once a flood alert goes out, you’ll have little time to get your belongings into a safe place. Put any essential documents in a waterproof safe or container, and take any furniture or valuables to a safe area in your home. Remember, your family’s safety is the main priority, so if you have to leave your house without protecting your possessions, don’t hesitate to evacuate.


9. Shut Off Your Main Utilities

In the event of a flood, you should shut off your main electrical breaker, gas, and water. Shutting off these utilities prevents them from posing a hazard when a flood occurs. Familiarize yourself with your breakers and valves so you’ll be ready to use them when the time comes.


10. Make a Barrier

You can use sandbags or inflatable barriers to keep water from coming into your home through the basement windows or under the garage door. You can also build a wall of sandbags to prevent water from reaching your basement storm door or any other entry point.


Water Damage Restoration in Tucson, AZ

Knowing how to prepare for flooding in your home is crucial, but it’s also imperative to act fast when water gets in. At Steam Smart Pro, our technicians have the tools and training to repair water damage and keep mold and mildew from ravaging your home. Click the link to learn about flood water removal, and call our Tucson, AZ, office at 520-416-4308 for more information about all our services.


Author Bio:

Eric Bullard

The owner of Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ, brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the field of carpet, tile, and air duct cleaning. With a strong dedication to quality and a deep understanding of effective cleaning techniques, Eric consistently delivers outstanding results to his satisfied residential and commercial clients.

Our Recent Post

Why Do My Air Ducts Smell Like Smoke? - 6 Causes and Their Solutions

by Eric Bullard • 12 July 2024
Discovering an unknown and unpleasant odor in your home is always concerning. One commonly unsuspected culprit of a “smoke”, or “burning” smell comes from a home’s AC (air duct) system. If your air ducts have a lingering smell of smoke, here are six reasons why, and what to do about it. 1) Dirty Air Filter The first thing you should check is your air filter. Having a dirty air filter can not only cause unpleasant odors, but it can also lead to weak performance of your unit, many times even causing it to overheat. This is due to the filter being clogged with dirt and debris, leading to restricted air flow. Solution: Replacement of old air filter. This can easily be done at home with the help of a ladder. Make sure you have the correct measurements of the filter, as they vary in many different sizes. Read your owner’s manual to find out how often you should replace your filter. 2) Failing HVAC system In some cases, a malfunctioning HVAC system can cause a “burning” smell to emit from your air ducts. If there is a problem with any of your HVAC components, it can produce a burning odor that can be mistaken for smoke. There are 2 main faulty components that you should be wary of: Broken Fan Belt - Burning smell accompanied by a squealing noise. Overheated Fan Motor - Burning smell due to overheating. This is a serious issue that should be addressed ASAP. Solution: Keeping up on regular maintenance of your HVAC system. It is important to make sure each of these parts are fixed or replaced by a professional technician to ensure a safe installment, and prevent any further damage to your unit. 3) Electrical Failure A lingering burning smell followed by a popping sound in the same area can be a sign of an electrical failure. The burning smell may be a result of sparks and heat build up. Solution: If you believe it can be an electrical failure, be sure to turn your AC unit off immediately and contact a technician to take a look at it. Electrical failure should only be handled by a professional with proper safety training. 4) Damaged Capacitor The capacitor is responsible for storing electrical energy and helps to start the AC unit's compressor. The capacitor can cause a burning smell if there is regular overheating. Some signs of damage include: AC not starting up Strange noises coming from unit Capacitor is visibly damaged or swollen Solution: Attempting to repair this yourself can be extremely dangerous, so be sure that you contact a professional technician right away! 5) Debris build-up Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in your ductwork and its components. When your unit is turned on for the first time in a while, it can cause the unit’s fan blades to create a musty odor that can be mistaken as smoke. Solution: Regular air duct cleaning is essential to preventing debris buildup + keeping your home smelling fresh. 6) Smoke Byproducts If you or any previous owners have ever smoked inside the home, it is likely that your air ducts are coated in smoke byproducts such as nicotine and tar. Solution: Hiring a professional to clean your air ducts will help rid of any smoke byproducts + odor particles, as well as any dust and debris that have accumulated over time. There are many health benefits to regular maintenance of your air ducts . Conclusion Overall, if you're experiencing a burning smell coming from your AC unit, it is essential to address the issue promptly. It is best to hire professional technicians with safety training to take a look at any issues with your air ducts in order to prevent further damage to the unit, or any harm to yourself. Regular maintenance of your air duct system has endless benefits, resulting in a long-lasting unit that keeps your home safe and comfortable all year long. In need of professional Air Duct Cleaning in Tucson, AZ? Steam Smart Pro is your solution! Schedule online or call (520)416-4308 for a FREE quote today!

TOP 5 Tile + Grout Maintenance Tips

8 June 2024
Tile and grout surfaces can add beauty and functionality to any home, but they require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Proper care and maintenance of your tile and grout can help prolong their life and preserve their appearance for years to come. In this blog post, we will share some essential maintenance tips to help you maintain your tiled surfaces in top condition. 1. Regular Cleaning Regular cleaning is key to maintaining the appearance of your tile and grout surfaces. To do this, sweep or vacuum your tiled floors regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch and dull the tiles. Use a mild cleaning solution and a soft brush or mop to clean tile and grout surfaces regularly to prevent staining and discoloration. If you happen to have rust on your tile that needs cleaning, click here to find the simple DIY solution! 2. Sealing Seal your tile and grout surfaces to protect them from stains, moisture, and dirt. Sealing creates a protective barrier that helps prevent grime and water from penetrating and seeping into the porous surfaces of tiles and grout. It is recommended by professionals that we reseal our tile and grout surfaces at least once every year to maintain their protective properties. 3. Grout Maintenance Grout is porous and prone to staining and discoloration. To keep your grout looking clean and fresh, regularly clean and scrub grout lines with a grout brush and a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the grout. Consider applying a grout sealer to protect and prolong the life of your grout. 4. Preventative Measures To prevent damage and wear on your tile and grout surfaces, use mats or area rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways. You can also place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching and scuffing your tile floors. Finally, be sure to wipe up any spills and stains immediately as they happen to prevent fluids from seeping into the grout and causing permanent damage that could be avoided! 5. Professional Cleaning While there is no doubt that regular maintenance is essential, professional tile and grout cleaning is always recommended in order to better deep clean and sanitize your tiled surfaces. Professional cleaners have the expertise, equipment, and cleaning solutions to effectively remove deep-seated dirt, stains, and bacteria from tile and grout surfaces. By following these 5 simple maintenance tips, you can prolong the life and appearance of your tile and grout surfaces, as well as ensure its functionality in your home for years to come. Always remember that proper care and maintenance are both essential when it comes to ensuring that your home is always looking its best! Looking for Tile + Grout cleaning in Tucson, Arizona, that will leave you floored? Call Steam Smart Pro at (520) 416-4308 today for a FREE estimate every time!

Debunked: 5 Misconceptions About Professional Carpet Cleaning

8 June 2024
Carpet cleaning has always played an overlooked yet crucial role when it comes to maintaining a tidy home. However, there are many misconceptions and myths surrounding carpet cleaning that can lead to confusion and the spread of misinformation. It’s important that we debunk some of the most common misconceptions about carpet cleaning to help you make informed decisions when it comes to caring for your home’s carpets! Misconception #1: Vacuuming is enough to keep carpets clean Regular vacuuming is undeniably an important step in removing surface dirt and debris from carpets, but it is not quite enough to eliminate deep-seated dirt, allergens, and bacteria. Professional carpet cleaning is necessary to thoroughly clean and sanitize carpets, ensuring a healthy indoor environment for you and your family. Misconception #2: Carpet cleaning can damage carpets It is believed by some that carpet cleaning can damage carpets, cause them to shrink or make them lose their shape. However, when done correctly by trained professionals using the correct methods + equipment, carpet cleaning can actually extend the life of your carpets, with the plus of keeping them looking fresh and vibrant. Misconception #3: DIY carpet cleaning is just as effective as professional cleaning While DIY carpet cleaning methods such as using rental carpet cleaning machines or homemade cleaning solutions may seem cost-effective, they often do not provide the same level of deep cleaning and sanitization as professional carpet cleaning. Professional carpet cleaners have the equipment, and specialized cleaning solutions and the specialized expertise to effectively remove tough stains, odors, and allergens from carpets. Misconception #4: Carpets should only be cleaned when they appear dirty Many homeowners wait until their carpets look visibly dirty before scheduling a professional cleaning. However, regular carpet cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment, even if your carpets appear clean. Over time, carpets can accumulate dust, allergens, bacteria, and other contaminants that are often not visible to the naked eye, making regular cleaning crucial for your health and well-being. Misconception #5: All carpet cleaning methods are the same There are various carpet cleaning methods available, including steam cleaning, dry cleaning, and hot water extraction. Each method has its own advantages and is suitable for different types of carpets and cleaning needs. It is important to choose a reputable company that uses the right cleaning method for your specific carpets to ensure optimal results. Since reading this article, you now know that it is super important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to home maintenance. There are many health benefits that come from carpet cleaning, as well as many other overlooked aspects of your home. By debunking these common misconceptions today, we hope that you can now make informed decisions when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your home’s carpets! Need professional carpet cleaning in Tucson, Arizona? Call Steam Smart Pro at (520) 416-4308 today to book a FREE quote!
SEE MORE

Request A Free Estimate

Free Estimate Form