Residents returning home after hurricanes may be relieved to find their homes intact, but if flooding occurred, there could be much more going on than meets the eye. Like mold — one of the unpleasant, and unhealthy, side effects of storm damage. If your home has mold, follow these tips.


Let It Dry

You may not see it or even smell it, but mold can begin to develop within 24 to 48 hours after a flood.

To avoid big problems with mold, immediately begin the drying out process. Here’s how to do that:

• Remove rugs, upholstered furniture, curtains, and any other soft surfaces from the home and get them outdoors to dry out.

Mold builds on moisture so airing it out eliminates the process for it to spread further and grow. (rcphotostock)


• Use fans and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture.


• Keep doors and windows open as much as possible – keep air moving through the home.


2. Get the Right Gear

Mold can cause all sorts of health problems such as stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation, so it’s important to protect yourself and wear the correct PPE (personal protective equipment) when working in a mold-prone environment.

Here’s what you can do:

• Wear protective eyewear and non-porous gloves

Different molds can do harmful things to the human body so be sure to protect yourself with the right gear. (Maridav)


• Put on a mask (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an N-95 respirator or greater)


• Dress in long sleeves, long pants, and rubber boots to prevent skin contact


When in Doubt, Throw It Out

• A good rule of thumb is to toss any “soft” items/surfaces (such as upholstered furniture, pillows, curtains, bedding and rugs)

• If you have wet drywall and insulation, remove it and get it outside your home to prevent mold from growing behind the walls.

• Toss any porous materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried

Soft items hold in moisture easily and will do the same for mold that might be undetectable. (aradaphotography/Getty Images)




4. Clean Carefully

Clean hard surfaces with hot water/bleach — don’t mix bleach with other cleaners

• Spray remaining surfaces with an antimicrobial cleaner

Make sure to use the correct cleaner and be sure not to mix chemicals in case of potential hazards. (DNY59/Getty Images Signature)



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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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