After the floods…
Jacobs & Red Cross: ‘Proper clean up is imperative to avoid health risks from molds, mildews & bacteria’

Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), joined by Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick), and Legislator Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove), today joined with Nassau County American Red Cross officials to educate the county’s homeowners as to the importance of cleaning up any standing water that may remain in their homes following last week’s torrential rains. Hundreds of Nassau County residents experienced basement flooding, sewage backup and other water damage as streets flooded and drainage systems became overwhelmed.

“Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold,” said Presiding Officer Jacobs. “They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood. Failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks.”

As the residents of the flood-ravaged states of Louisiana and Mississippi discovered, after the water recedes, homeowners face another battle with mildew and mold that pose a health risk. Black mold is especially hazardous and experts warn that homeowners should wear a gauze mask when cleaning up this mold growth.

According to Dr. Robert L. Elgart, microbiologist from Farmingdale State University, mold can begin growing in moist or wet conditions within 24 hours, although these colonies may not become visible until 48-72 hours.

“Proper clean up is essential,” said Presiding Officer Jacobs. “To keep from getting sick, wear rubber gloves while working; do not eat, drink, or smoke in the house; and wash your hands frequently with soap.”

The American Red Cross in Nassau County urges anyone who cannot return to their home due to flood damage to call 516-747-3500, or if health reasons prevent you from returning to your home.

Clean and dry everything right way:

Clean Up Tips:

• Mold and Mildew (Fungi) - Many building materials, furniture, carpet and other items that stay wet for more than 24 hours will grow mold. Mold colonies are the fuzzy or patchy white, green, brown or black growths that you will see on wallboard, wood furniture and cabinets, clothing, wall studs, and almost any other surface. Mold releases tiny particles into the air that can cause allergic illness like hay fever (coughing, sneezing, eye irritation), asthma symptoms, or other respiratory illness that can be serious
• Biological hazards - Bacteria, viruses, molds and mildew can cause illness when you breathe them in or take them into your body through your mouth or through a cut in the skin. Bacteria or viruses may be left indoors by floodwater, while mold and mildew may grow indoors after the floodwater has receded.
• Bacteria and Viruses - If you accidentally get stagnant water in into your mouth, rinse with a peroxide-based rinse.
• Wet down mold-Before you touch, move, or clean moldy or mildewed materials, wet the mold with a soapy solution from a spray bottle to prevent the mold from getting into the air.
• Check out the floors. Carpet and padding cannot be cleaned well enough to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Throw them away. Make sure no moisture is trapped in or on the sub-floor.
• Dry out walls. Walls that were wet should be stripped to the studs and the insulation removed. Walls must remain open to allow them to completely dry. Other wall cavities should be inspected for visible mold growth. Any area inside a wall cavity with visible mold growth should be opened, cleaned, decontaminated and dried. Check heating and AC systems. If the heating and air-conditioning system or air ducts were flooded, use special care. The inside parts of heating and air-conditioning systems that contacted floodwater are hiding places for mold. If mold grows in the system, mold particles may get into the air and make people sick.
• Remove contaminants. Make sure that any chemical contamination and hazardous materials have been removed from the building. For proper disposal, contact your local waste disposal service.
• Make sure that all parts of the building are dry before rebuilding or repairing. Mold will grow on replacement materials if the studs, subfloor or other building parts are not completely dry. The structure should be tested with a moisture meter before you start replacing the damaged parts of your home.

Homeowners can also read “Repairing Your Flooded Home” www.redcross.org , information prepared by the Federal Emergency management Agency and the American Red Cross. The booklet discusses flood safety issues and can save your life. The booklet also contains detailed information on proper methods for cleaning up your home.