Water Damage: Mold & Salt Water Inundation

DISASTERRECOVERYTODAY.COM

APPLICATION OF REMEDIATION METHODS*

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

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.

Thomas Aloi

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.

Sandy Heiss, PMP

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.

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*Taken from FEMA Recovery Division Fact Sheet 9580.100, November 7, 2006

“… even in cases of emergency mold remediation, FEMA policy requires that contracts are properly procured.”

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1 A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home. United States Environmental Protection Agency, September 2010. EPA.gov


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