The best way to avoid mold hazards is to hire a reputable Indoor Environmental Consultant that is certified and trained to provide a written protocol that will allow you to receive competitive bids from licensed restoration and drying contractors trained in dealing with water damage and mold remediation. But that may be difficult after a disaster. You may have to do the cleanup yourself. If so, follow the steps below.
* BEFORE YOU PROCEED:
After the water has receded enough to the point that it is no longer standing in your home or business, you should begin clean-up procedures.
Before beginning clean-up efforts on your own, it is recommended that individuals get a tetanus shot if their vaccination is not current. Boosters are good for approximately 10 years. Check with the local health department for more information.
Before entering the building, be certain that the electricity has been turned off. If power is still provided to the flooded area, immediately disconnect power throughout the structure by switching the main breaker in the electrical panel to OFF. Verify that gas-burning appliances are not on and that no gas is leaking out of appliances, space heaters or water heaters into the structure.
The flood waters carry all types of creatures which have been displaced from their usual habitats along creeks and river bottoms. Before beginning any work, it is necessary that you make a thorough walk-through of the structure, carefully check in all closets, corners, cabinets, drawers, attic spaces, and similar locations throughout the structure for animals, insects and snakes.
When performing clean-up activities, be absolutely certain to PROTECTIVE GEAR WEAR RUBBER GLOVES, GOGGLES, BOOTS, mask or a respirator to filter mold spores (N-95 or better) to prevent direct contact with flood water or water-logged items. The flood water and materials which were exposed to flood waters contain all sorts of debris and bacteria, which, when in direct contact with skin, can have harmful effects leading to illness or infection. Be watchful of small children and do not allow them to play in the affected areas or with materials which have been exposed to flood water.
MicroShield Environmental Services, LLC & John P. Lapotaire, CIEC
The most trusted names in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Ph (321) 229-2778 Fax (321) 206-4534 jlapotaire@microshield-es.com
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