FEMA Prompt Cleanup Of Mold And Mildew Is Essential

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Prompt Cleanup Of Mold And Mildew Is Essential

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Merrimack, N.H. -- Disaster recovery officials warn that

Massachusetts residents and business owners whose homes or

businesses have been water damaged as a result of the storms and

flooding that occurred in October should clean flood-damaged homes

thoroughly to avoid possible health problems from mold and mildew.

(PressZoom) - Water-damaged homes provide a moist environment for

mold to flourish, and the health effects can be severe, especially

for those with pre-existing conditions such as allergies and asthma.

It is often visible as a fuzzy growth or a discoloration of

surfaces. It may be accompanied by a musty, earthy odor or a foul

stench.

Residents are advised to use care when cleaning up the mold. People

with respiratory problems should not spend time in houses with mold.

Those who are sensitive to mold spores may experience wheezing,

difficulty breathing, nasal and sinus congestion, burning and

watering eyes, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or skin

irritation.

All materials are likely to become moldy if they are wet long

enough. The secret to preventing problems is cleaning, drying and

disinfecting all wet surfaces as soon as possible by promptly using

disinfectants.

Specialists offer the following suggestions to ensure safe,

effective cleanup:

Have professionals check heating/cooling ducts and wall insulation

for mold growth.

Wash all items that came in contact with floodwaters with a chlorine

bleach solution. Open windows for ventilation and wear boots and

rubber gloves. Use disinfectant in full strength and keep it on

surfaces for 15 minutes.

Select and use disinfectants carefully, as most are toxic to humans

as well as to molds.

Wipe surfaces that have not been directly involved with a solution

of one part bleach/four parts water to reduce contamination.

Rinse the skin quickly and well if accidental contact takes place.

Remember that chlorine bleach is no longer effective when the

chlorine smell disappears.

Renters, homeowners and business owners who suffered damage or

uninsured losses as a result of the severe storms and flooding are

encouraged to register for disaster assistance by calling the

Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management

Agency at 1-800-621-FEMA ( 3362 ). The TTY number for speech and

hearing-impaired applicants is 1-800-462-7585. Registration can also

be done online at www.fema.gov.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal

response and recovery efforts following any national incident. 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.

Submitted by

FEMA

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