NAMAI Shares Tips on Post Flood Cleanup
Flooding can be very devastating to any community. Homes can be well under flood water for days and when the flood finally recedes everyone will be busy for the cleanup. The National Association of Mold and Asbestos Inspectors (NAMAI) has shared several tips on post flood clean-up particularly that which will help prevent mold growth.
In a media interview, the NAMAI reminded homeowners to keep in mind that their safety should always be their top priority. Electrical connections should be turned off and that homeowners should be aware of possible animals that could get through the home and the broken fixtures like glass and sharp wood or metal that could be protruding in shallow and stagnant water.
Apart from all these safety precautions, the mold and asbestos inspection organization also emphasized to homeowners to work towards totally drying out their homes and remove moisture to avoid mold growth.
“Even if we can see and touch physical dryness of an area of our home, we can never tell that we have totally removed moisture from the walls and underneath the tiles. These may have been invaded by flood waters especially if the inundation lasted for days. This could spell trouble if it has not been dried out as soon as possible,” warns Mike Adam, Executive Director of the NAMAI.
Adam was talking about possible mold growth. Because molds love moisture and humidity, it can start growing inside a home in a day or so. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has encouraged homeowners of flooded homes to discard items which they cannot totally clean or dry. Water Damage Clause
“Mold and mildew can start growing within 24 hours after a flood, and can lurk throughout a home, from the attic to the basement and crawl spaces. The best defense is to clean, dry or, as a last resort, discard moldy items. Although it can be hard to get rid of a favorite chair, a child’s doll or any other precious treasure to safeguard the well-being of your loved ones, a top-to-bottom home cleanup is your best defense, according to the experts.” Read the rest of their advice here.
The home structure should also be protected from mold growth and rotting through total drying out. FloodSafety.com mentioned several measures homeowners can take when dealing with post-flood clean up. One of the areas they mentioned is the wall and ceiling. Flood Damage Cleanup
“Wallboard acts like a sponge when wet. Remove wallboard, plaster and paneling to at least the flood level. If soaked by contaminated floodwater, it can be a permanent health hazard and should be removed. If most of the wallboard was soaked by clean rainwater, consider cutting a 4- to 12-inch-high section from the bottom and top of walls.”
Check out the rest of the advice here.
The NAMAI says it is important to keep safety in mind when cleaning up. At the same time, homeowners should do their best in drying up their flooded homes to avoid the perils of mold. When unsure as to how to clean up and dry out thoroughly, they can always heed the services of a water damage restoration company.
Iris Environmental Laboratories
2333 US-22, Union, NJ 07083
800-908-6679
http://irislaboratories.com/
Apart from all these safety precautions, the mold and asbestos inspection organization also emphasized to homeowners to work towards totally drying out their homes and remove moisture to avoid mold growth.
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| The NAMAI encourages homeowners to be vigilant against molds by doing what they can to prevent its infestation in their respective homes. (Photo Credits) |
“Even if we can see and touch physical dryness of an area of our home, we can never tell that we have totally removed moisture from the walls and underneath the tiles. These may have been invaded by flood waters especially if the inundation lasted for days. This could spell trouble if it has not been dried out as soon as possible,” warns Mike Adam, Executive Director of the NAMAI.
Adam was talking about possible mold growth. Because molds love moisture and humidity, it can start growing inside a home in a day or so. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has encouraged homeowners of flooded homes to discard items which they cannot totally clean or dry. Water Damage Clause
“Mold and mildew can start growing within 24 hours after a flood, and can lurk throughout a home, from the attic to the basement and crawl spaces. The best defense is to clean, dry or, as a last resort, discard moldy items. Although it can be hard to get rid of a favorite chair, a child’s doll or any other precious treasure to safeguard the well-being of your loved ones, a top-to-bottom home cleanup is your best defense, according to the experts.” Read the rest of their advice here.
The home structure should also be protected from mold growth and rotting through total drying out. FloodSafety.com mentioned several measures homeowners can take when dealing with post-flood clean up. One of the areas they mentioned is the wall and ceiling. Flood Damage Cleanup
“Wallboard acts like a sponge when wet. Remove wallboard, plaster and paneling to at least the flood level. If soaked by contaminated floodwater, it can be a permanent health hazard and should be removed. If most of the wallboard was soaked by clean rainwater, consider cutting a 4- to 12-inch-high section from the bottom and top of walls.”
Check out the rest of the advice here.
The NAMAI says it is important to keep safety in mind when cleaning up. At the same time, homeowners should do their best in drying up their flooded homes to avoid the perils of mold. When unsure as to how to clean up and dry out thoroughly, they can always heed the services of a water damage restoration company.
Iris Environmental Laboratories
2333 US-22, Union, NJ 07083
800-908-6679
http://irislaboratories.com/
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