If you’ve had a flood, you’re at risk for mold and mildew problems, and need to know where to find help. Even if you haven’t been hit with a flood recently, those who live in a flood zone will want to consider some of the black mold and mildew precautions discussed here.
The almost universal experience of those families who have suffered flood damage is that cleanup can be costly, particularly with out flood insurance. Mold abatement is simply not covered under the insurance policies carried by many victims. A huge number of homeowner insurance policies disallow claims due to black mold and mildew damage because the homeowner is passed the responsibility for mildew and mold prevention during regular maintenance. When it comes to flooding, flood insurance acquired before the damage was done can provide some help. Without insurance, there are still some options.
If you live in the United States, you can explore help from various agencies in the government. You just need to know where to look. The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) of FIMA (Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration–a branch of FEMA) has flood insurance available. Mold abatement information and a detailed explanation of mold and mildew removal are presented online by the EPA. Assessing the extent and degree of damage is the first step in the process. Considering whether the mold problem began before the flood is important, since most flood coverage won’t cover prior problems.
You may be able to receive assistance from FEMA if there is proof that the mold is disaster related. Samples are taken to measure the concentration of mold spores in the air and to discern how significant the problem is. It is not always feasible to demonstrate that a mold outbreak is related to a specific flood disaster. Families can be terribly busy and unable to cleanup their home quickly enough to stop a mold outbreak. Finding food and bedding, clean water and medicine are higher priorities in the face of a disaster. Mold must be removed quickly, or the chances of an outbreak are enormous. Insurance policies sometimes use delayed cleanup as a justification for non-payment of a claim.
Health and habitability too often go out the window when mildew and toxic molds move in unchecked. There are steps that people can take themselves that aren’t too pricey even once an outbreak has occurred. Be sure to remember: The EPA recommends different degrees of person protective equipment (PPE) for cleanup of mold outbreaks of different sizes. Appropriate gear is important, and must be scaled up commensurately the worse an infestation gets.
An appropriate cleaner can kill black mold and mildew colonies and stop them from spreading. However, it is also important that dead mold is removed. One mustn’t skimp on mold removal, because even dead mold is toxic. There are non-toxic paints available that can safely paint over black mold and mildew stains, preventing future growth. Caution is warranted here, because the hazards of introducing toxic paint to try to deal with mold creates hazards that rival those of the original mold outbreak itself. It is much safer and better long-term to choose a zero VOC paint without toxic biocides and additives.
Wall cavities, near the floor, are especially black mold and mildew prone. Basement mold is another very common area to inspect. Even without a flood, basements are moist and shady places where black mold and mildew can thrive. If you live in a flood zone make sure to protect these areas and to have independent mold testing done.
Mold sampling can be priceless. Mold sampling done every year can create a good baseline measurement to show to insurance adjusters, FEMA and NFIP. This will make black mold and mildew abatement much easier to justify and pay for. Professional mold abatement can be costly but worth every penny. Mold sampling before and after mold abatement will prove that mold is gone.
Taking precautions ahead of a flood disaster can save major cleanup headaches later. Just as you need to know where to go for food and water should a major disaster occur, be prepared in advance against mold damage from a major incident by coating your closed cavities, HVAC and other interior surfaces with a non-toxic mold stain and mildew stain fighting product.