Thomas Aloi has significant Public Assistance and leadership expertise in hazard mitigation, alternative procedures, alternate projects, disaster planning, project worksheet formulation, cost estimating and project management. He supervised FEMAPublicAssistance reimbursement processes for long-term recovery of Hurricane Sandy applications in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island.
Sandra Heiss, PMP, served as a consultant for Adjusters International, assisting the State of New York with disaster recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy. A certified Project Management Professional since 2004, she holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Memphis.
WATER DAMAGED MATERIAL ACTION
Books and paper • Non-valuable items, discard • Valuable/Important, photocopy and discard originals • Invaluable items, freeze in frost-free freezer, meat locker or freeze dry
Carpet and backing • Wet vacuum • Reduce ambient humidity levels with dehumidifier • Accelerate drying process with fans
Ceiling tiles • Discard and replace Cellulose insulation • Discard and replace
Concrete or cinder block • Wet vacuum surfaces • Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans and/or heaters
Fiberglass insulation • Discard and replace
Hard surfaces, porous • Vacuum or damp wipe with water and mild detergent floorings (linoleum, • Scrubbing may be necessary ceramic tile, vinyl) • Allow to dry
Upholstered furniture • Wet vacuum • Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans and/or heaters
Wallboard (drywall • If obvious swelling and seams are not intact —discard and gypsum board) • If no obvious swelling and seams are intact, may be dried in place • Ventilate wall cavity
Window drapes • Launder or clean according to manufacturer’s instructions
Wood surfaces • Remove water with wet vacuum • Accelerate drying process with dehumidifiers, fans and/or heaters • Treated or finished wood, damp wipe • Wet paneling, discard and ventilate wall cavity
Summarized from Indoor Environments Division (IED) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.”
OTHER ITEM OF NOTE: Do not use fans before determining that the water is clean and sanitary. Consult an experienced professional if you and/or your remediators lack expertise in contaminated water situations.
____________________*Taken from FEMA Recovery Division Fact Sheet 9580.100, November 7, 2006
1 A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home. United States Environmental Protection Agency, September 2010. EPA.gov