(FEMA)Tips on Keeping Mold Growth in Check

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Tips on Keeping Mold Growth in Check

By U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Sep 11, 2005, 21:06

http://communitydispatch.com/artman/publish/article_2014.shtml

Release Date: September 10, 2005

Release Number: 1605-012

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina

Montgomery, Ala. -- Damage that occurs from water entering a home

after

a hurricane isn't always visible in the first days after floodwaters

recede.

Officials of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management

Agency (AEMA) have issued some guidelines to assist Alabama

residents

in the hurricane recovery process.

Mold can be hidden behind the walls or numerous other locations in a

home. Disaster officials warned residents of Alabama who experienced

interior water damage from Hurricane Katrina to thoroughly clean and

completely dry areas that were wet to keep mold from growing into a

health and safety problem.

During flood cleanup, you may think the air quality inside your home

would be the least of your problems. But standing water and wet

materials

are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria

and

mold. " They can cause disease and allergic reactions and continue to

damage the home and your health long after the hurricane, " said

FEMA's

Ron Sherman, federal coordinating officer for the disaster.

Molds are fungi -- simple microscopic organisms that thrive anywhere

there is a moist environment. Molds can grow on wood products,

ceiling

tiles, wallboard, fabric, insulation and many other household and

building

materials. Mold growth can develop within 24-48 hours of water

exposure,

and will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the

source of

moisture and effectively deal with the mold problem.

" The most important points to remember in stopping mold growth are

to

eliminate the source of moisture and to thoroughly dry the area, "

explained

Sherman. Contaminated porous materials should be thrown out, such as

bedding, rugs, curtains, books and paper. Hard surfaces should be

cleaned with soap and water and then disinfected with a 10% bleach

solution. If you are allergic to molds or the mold problem in your

home is

extensive, you may want to consult a professional cleaning service.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal

response

and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance.

FEMA

also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works

with state

and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood

Insurance

Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the

U.S.

Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

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