2014 Media Releases

Date:

October 14, 2014

For More Information Contact:

Kathy King REHS, Health Department, 402-441-6541

Quick Action Needed to Prevent Mold

Recent heavy rainfall has resulted in many wet homes and flooded basements, and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) urges the public to take prompt action to prevent the growth of molds.

"Molds are known to be allergens for some individuals and can exacerbate conditions such as asthma in others," said Kathy King, an Environmental Health Specialist with LLCHD. "Visible molds in buildings also are defined as a nuisance condition under City Code."

King recommends that property owners take the following steps:

• Immediately identify the cause of the flooding, and remedy it as soon as possible. Repair leaky roofs, non-functional sump pumps or burst pipes. If you rent your home, notify the landlord or management company as soon as possible.
• Use a wet vac to remove standing water from floors and carpeting. Remove furniture and personal items so that the entire floor can be dried.
• Carpets may be cleaned, but padding must often be discarded if it cannot be fully dried within 48 hours of the event.
• Personal items that cannot be cleaned and/or dried within 48 hours may have to be discarded. Water damage restoration professionals may be able to help.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to aid the drying process. Relative humidity in the home should be maintained between 30 to 50 percent.
• Moldy areas on hard surfaces can be removed with warm water and detergent.
• HVAC equipment and appliances such as water heaters, that have been submerged in flood waters should be inspected by a licensed contractor before use.

More information on flood clean up and mold is available at epa.gov/mold.