How to prevent mold after water damage

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

How to prevent mold after water damage

Having water damage at your home and office can be a headache. You have to worry about wet furniture and appliances, weakened structures and the possibility of a short circuit when there are electrical objects involved. But in top of all that, there is a hidden threat that can develop without you noticing: mold.

Mold is actually present everywhere in the house, even in the air, as spores. When in this state, it is harmless. However, mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants. A few strains even produce toxins.

Researchers acknowledge that these toxins are potent enough to cause serious problems in healthy people and there is plenty of evidence that all molds can potentially cause rashes, headaches, dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions (like hay fever), and asthma attacks.

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. If the water problem is not treated, however, the mold cannot be eradicated. If you try to remove the mold without solving the water problem first, the mold will return.

As the time window in which mold can develop and spread is so short, immediate action is required. The first thing you should do is call a team of professionals in water damage restoration and mold remediation, such SERVPRO® of Martin County.

While you wait for help, there are also some things you should and shouldn’t do that can help prevent the development and spread of mold:

• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Discard any porous material that can trap mold, such as wood items, upholstered furniture or objects that were completely submerged.
• Clean and disinfect glass, plastic and metal objects.
• Run a dehumidifier inside the areas with suspected or visible mold growth.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
• Contact SERVPRO of Martin County for mold remediation services.

Also, to take care of your health, remember to stay out of the affected areas. If for some reason you have to go close to an area with mold, wear protective equipment to safeguard your eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. Do not touch or perform any action that can disturb the mold in any way.

If you take these precautionary actions, when SERVPRO of Martin County arrives they will be able to handle the water damage for you, removing the conditions that enable mold growth. That way, you won’t have to worry about mold or your health anymore.

Contact SERVPRO of Martin County for more information on how to prevent mold after water damage!

Phone: (772) 334-8762