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More Resources
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Step-by-Step Instructions – a step-by-step graphic manual for people fixing up flooded homes safely for them and their families. |
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Learn about the effects of mold, and how to keep mold from damaging your home and harming your family. |
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Finding mold in your home
- In addition to areas that were flooded, search for moisture in areas with a damp or moldy smell, especially in basements, kitchens and bathrooms.
- Look for water stains or colored, fuzzy growth around ceilings, walls, floors, windowsills and pipes.
- If you smell a musty odor, search behind and below carpeting, furniture or stored items.
- Inspect kitchens, bathrooms and basements for standing water, water stains and patches of out-of-place color.
Cleaning up mold
- Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands. Wear gloves, preferably long ones, and goggles.
- If there is more than a little mold, wear an “N-95” or “N-100” respirator, available in hardware stores for about $12 and up.
- Fix any water problems immediately. Clean up spills or floods.
- If you can, take furniture that has been wet outside to dry and clean, because direct sunlight prevents mold growth.
- Dispose of mold contaminated materials, especially porous items.
- Use open windows, fans or dehumidifiers to dry surfaces as long as the problem remains.
Should I bring in a professional?
- If the moldy area is less than 10 square feet, in most cases you can handle the job yourself.
- If there is a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, you may need to hire a professional.
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