Flood Damage Leads to Mold Problems

Last week, a large portion of North Carolina experienced record-setting rain falls. Many areas in Eastern NC experienced flooding, including the town of Windsor in Bertie county, where homes and businesses contained several feet of water.

Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) crews visited the town of Windsor earlier this week, and the mayor is hoping for a federal disaster declaration. That declaration would provide federal funding and manpower to help the citizens clean up and get back on their feet from the largest disaster since Hurricane Floyd, which hit in September of 1999.

"Everybody is just going through the same routine," says Ted Shaw, a business owner in Windsor. "Got all the carpet up and out on the street. Sunday we came in and bleached and took the garden hose and washed all the water out to the street," says Shaw.

Are Ted Shaw and other residents of Windsor doing the right thing during their clean up?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a publication titled "Flood Clean Up and the Air in Your Home" designed to help home and business owners prevent indoor air quality problems associated with flooding and flood water contamination.

This is a simple booklet that outlines steps for cleaning up safely after a flood, including use of the proper personal protective equipment. It also provides a list of resources where you can find additional fact-based information on flooding, clean up, mold and other related issues.

You can access a copy of the publication at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/flood_booklet_en.pdf

Air Matters LLC has performed mold testing services in the Raleigh NC area since 2002. The owner, Renee D. Ward, has over 22 years of safety and environmental experience and holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in engineering. Renee is also a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council. You may contact Air Matters at (919) 961-2221 or info@AirMattersMoldTesting.com.