Floods are the leading natural disaster in the U.S., and they can wreak havoc on your property long after waters recede. If your home has been in a flood, there is a good chance that you will end up with a mold problem afterward. Mold can start to grow after a day or two, so it is important to act quickly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, especially in people who are already sensitive to molds and upper respiratory conditions which is why knowing how to prevent mold after a flood is very important to your health.

In a home or business, mold and mildew can grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold also grows on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. It can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

Tips to Prevent and Manage Mold

Dry wet items as quickly as possible - Use what you can in your home to aid you in drying items. Use your air conditioning system, fans, and dehumidifiers within the first 48 hours to help prevent mold growth. Any wet carpets should be removed as quickly as possible as they are notorious for harboring and growing mold after water damage.

Wear protective gear - If you are going to start cleaning up on your own, it is recommended by the EPA that you wear the right gear. Make sure to protect your mouth, eyes, nose, and hands when cleaning up after water damage, and to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores. You should also wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and waterproof boots for protection against any dangerous contaminants floating in floodwater.

Check the exterior - Be sure to look at the exterior of homes and buildings regularly for accumulating ground water. When the ground is saturated mold can begin to form outside and find its way inside. If water is accumulating against your foundation, take measures to drain the water away from your building. Keeping everything dry is the key to preventing mold growth.

Dormant mold and growing mold look different - Growing mold has a fuzzy and slimy appearance while dormant mold is powder-like and dry in appearance. Growing mold is a time-sensitive issue as it can spread and continue infesting other areas. Dormant mold is still an issue and should also be treated immediately.

Materials used in the cleanup of mold should be disposed of - All moldy and contaminated tools should be removed, bagged, and thrown out. Be sure that you do not reuse clothes or any other items that have come into contact with any mold. Reusing these could result in another infestation.

Mold can pop up long after water damage from flooding - Mold may not show up immediately after a flood which is why it is imperative you do your due diligence and inspect your home or business for mold or signs of mold.

When it comes to removing mold or cleaning up after water damage it is always in your best interest to rely on experienced professionals. The team at ProClean offers water damage and mold removal services for Pensacola, Milton, Navarre, FL, and all the surrounding areas. Please contact us as soon as possible if you see signs of mold in your home