FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date:
September 23, 2005
Contact Person:
Jim Helmstetter
Phone:
(810) 257-3603
RE:
Flooding in Homes
Flooding may not only create immediate safety concerns in the home, but
can stimulate the growth of mold and mildew causing health concerns for people
who are sensitive. Safety is of
first importance in flood cleanup. Turn
off the main power or unplug any appliances or electronics in the flooded area
to prevent electrical shock. If
moisture has entered into the home electrical system have an electrician assess
the system before turning power on again. If appliances are wet a service
company can assess their safety and usability. Discard all possibly contaminated
food products.
Mildew and mold will develop within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure and
continue to grow until sources of moisture are eliminated and controlled. The
following steps can help avoid further damage and health concerns from flooding:
- Assure
that the work area is well ventilated. Wear gloves, mask and protect eyes.
- Remove
standing water. Use a wet-vac or other pumping/suction system. If the home
has a sump pump assure it is operating properly.
- Discard
saturated items such as mattresses, upholstered furniture, cushions,
pillows, stuffed toys, cardboard boxes, particle or pressed wood. These
items will not dry quickly enough to avoid mold and mildew. Use
a wet-vac to suction water from carpets. If done within the first 24 hours
the carpet may be able to be saved.
- Clean
and disinfect hard surfaces and other non-porous items such as solid wood,
plastic with warm soapy water and disinfect with 10% bleach and water
solution.
- Drywall
that has been wet may need to be removed. Inspect it for warping and
saturation. Remove baseboard and soaked wallboard or plaster to a foot above
the water mark. Discard wet insulation. Allow the wall interior to dry
completely before repair.
- Clean
remaining walls and floors with hot soapy water and disinfectant to kill all
mold and mildew spores.
- Use
heaters, fans and dehumidifiers to speed drying. Desiccants (crystals that
absorb moisture and humidity) in open containers can be used in corners and
hard to ventilate areas. Desiccants can be purchased at local hardware
stores.
For questions and information regarding flooding and clean-up access www.gchd.us
or call the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3603. Added resources
are www.fema.gov/pdf/reg-xmold_mildew.pdf
or www.epa.gov/mold/images/moldguide.pdf.
