Preventing Mold

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Preventing Mold

KTTC - Rochester,MN*

Wick

KTTC-TV

http://www.kttc.com/News/index.php?ID=17825

ST. CHARLES, MN-- Many flood victims are beginning to tear out and

throw away pieces of their homes that were damaged by the floods.

It's important to do this as soon as possible otherwise you could

put your health in jeopardy.

Construction crews and residents working around the clock to make

their homes safe once again.

Pearson Construction worker says, " We've been at it for three days

and only got two done. "

Carpet, tile and wood floors are no longer, and the race to prevent

mold and other harmful bacteria is on.

Pearson Construction worker says, " It'll kill ya eventually so its

gotta be taken care of. "

Homeowners in this St. neighborhood aren't taking any

chances and are removing sheet-rock that didn't even touch the water.

Reporter Wick asks, " Are you concerned with mold problems? "

St. resident Wayne Fix says, " Not the way they're doing it,

that's why we're going twice as high as we need to go. "

The process of tearing out carpets and disinfecting tile began

almost immediately. Now it's time to tear out the sheet-rock and the

installation.

Pearson Construction worker says, " That will never dry out if you

don't take it out. "

Here's what the Minnesota Department of Health recommends:

Remove any sources of moisture. This is the most important and basic

thing you can do. Mold can't grow without moisture.

Next, begin drying all materials that got wet. Many flood victims

are using fans and if they're lucky air conditioning. Also,

disinfect contaminated surfaces. They say mix 1/4 to a half cup of

bleach per gallon of water and apply to surfaces.

Fix says, " The TV center has to come out because there's moisture in

it. "

Wayne Fix says you take a chance when you move into a low area.

Clean-up is hard, but they're not giving up.

Fix says, " This is our home we're not leaving. "

Safety and health concerns are high during this time of hardship,

but taking proper action can prevent future problems down the road.