Extensive water damage after major hurricanes and floods increases the likelihood of mold contamination in buildings. The recommendations assume that, in the aftermath of major hurricanes or floods, buildings wet for more or less 48 hours will generally support visible and extensive mold growth and should be remediated, and excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials can cause adverse health effects in susceptible persons regardless of the type of mold or the extent of contamination.
The most effective way to eliminate mold growth is to remove it from materials that can be cleaned and to discard materials that cannot be cleaned or are physically damaged beyond use. Removing mold problems requires a series of actions. The order of these actions is sometimes important but might vary on a case-by-case basis.
So here are 10 Helpful Ways to Prevent Mold from Growing in Your Home or Business Establishments regardless of whether a problem is small and simple or large and complex:
- Take emergency action to stop water intrusion, if needed.
- Determine the extent of water damage and mold contamination.
- Clean up and dry out the building quickly. Open doors and windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the building.
- Remove all porous items that have been wet for more or less 48 hours and that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These items can remain a source of mold growth and should be removed from the home or building. Porous items include carpeting and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation material, some clothing, leather, paper, some wood and wood products, and food. Removal and cleaning are important because even dead mold can cause allergic reactions.
- Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water to prevent mold growth.
- Temporarily store damaged or discarded items outside the home or building until insurance claims can be processed.
- Plan and implement remediation procedures like, if needed, establish containment and protection for workers and occupants. Eliminate or limit water or moisture sources. Decontaminate or remove damaged materials, as appropriate. Dry any wet materials, if possible. Call ServiceMaster by Wright immediately for assistance.
- When assessing or remediating mold contamination to a house, homeowners or clean-up personnel might decide to repair or clean household items damaged or contaminated by floodwaters. As with clothing and other textiles, make sure the water being used is safe. Use only water that is properly disinfected or that the authorities have stated is safe. Call ServiceMaster by Wright for assistance on all these times.
- Ensure that the HVAC system is shut down before any remedial activities.
- Ensure that laundry is washed in safe water. Use only water that is properly disinfected or that the authorities have stated is safe. Take the appropriate steps to make sure that the use of gas or electric appliances is safe. Call ServiceMaster by Wright to inspect and ensure the property is safe from electric or other hazards.
Small issues or large, complex problems might require professionals to do the cleaning job like ServiceMaster by Wright. For circumstances that fall between those extremes, some combination of occupant action and professional intervention will be appropriate. In general, no single discipline brings together all the required knowledge for successful assessment and remediation.
Consult ServiceMaster by Wright for advice on whether heavily mold-contaminated items made of leather, suede, or similar material are salvageable or should be discarded. ServiceMaster by Wright specializes in water damage restoration and can assess the issues involved in cleaning up homes after a flood. ServiceMaster by Wright has 40 years remediation experience in cleaning mold. Contact us at 239-431-9947 for faster response or visit https://www.servicemasterrestorations.com/ for more details. Serving businesses and homeowners located in Southwest Florida and nearby Counties.
