Date: 2008-09-26
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COLLEGE STATION – People returning to homes flooded during Hurricane Ike or other disasters should act quickly to combat mold, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert. “If you don’t it could ruin your home, possessions and threaten your health,” said Janie Harris, an AgriLife Extension housing and environmental specialist.
(Media-Newswire.com) - COLLEGE STATION – People returning to homes flooded during Hurricane Ike or other disasters should act quickly to combat mold, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service expert.
“If you don’t it could ruin your home, possessions and threaten your health,” said Janie Harris, an AgriLife Extension housing and environmental specialist.
Mold’s damaging effects can be minimized by following some suggestions offered by family and consumer sciences professionals and other experts with AgriLife Extension, she said.
After it is safe to return home, open windows and turn on fans to get fresh air circulating, Harris said. Consider running a dehumidifier to help remove moisture from the air.
Then take a room-by-room inventory of the damage, she said. Take photos to document damage for insurance purposes.
Temporary repairs may need to be made to prevent further damage and to reduce mold, she said. But do not make any permanent repairs until an insurance adjuster has been out to review the property and make a record of the damage.
People without insurance should apply for assistance at disaster recovery centers in their area or apply for help with Federal Emergency Management Agency, 800-621-3362 or online at www.fema.gov , she said.
Anything porous that was soaked in the flood must be removed, Harris said. Even when dry, for example, carpet and padding hold on to contaminants brought in by the water.
Sheetrock and insulation at least 12-18 inches above the flood line must be removed, she said. Put moldy material into plastic trash bags for disposal.
Reduce exposure to mold spores by wearing long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes, gloves and a (N95) mask or respirator, Harris said.
Clean all surfaces to remove mold spores, which even when dead can cause health problems, she said.
“If you have a tile floor, that’s a plus, because you can usually clean and disinfect it easily,” Harris said. “But look out for loose tiles or weak grouting because those also are ideal spots for mold growth.”
Seal off contaminated areas from the rest of the house as you clean, she said. The mold spores can become airborne during the clean-up process. Good ventilation and fans will help blow moldy air out the window.
The critical point is that you must not rebuild too soon, Harris said. Wait until the wood-products have no more than 14 percent moisture as measured by a moisture meter before closing the wall.
Detailed publications on dealing with mold and other flood hazards can be downloaded for free from the AgriLife Extension’s online bookstore, http://agrilifebookstore.org/ , and the Texas Extension Disaster Education Network (Texas EDEN) Web site, http://texashelp.tamu.edu/ , she said. Search for ‘mold.’ Also search Texas EDEN for the publication ‘Rehabbing Flooded Houses.’
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