How to Prevent Mold Damage After a Storm - Escarosa

Hurricanes can cause major wind and flood damage to any buildings in their path. To prevent mold damage caused by water intrusion, take the following steps to help get the moisture out as quickly as possible.

Living in Pensacola on the Western Panhandle of Florida, we know how it feels live through a hurricane. When a home’s windows, roof, or plumbing systems become damaged in these storms water can seep into the structure. This moisture is all that is needed to give mold a foothold and start multiplying. This problem can be compounded when houses remain warm, wet, dark and stagnant after a storm.

To give yourself the best chance at keeping this fungus at bay, you must remove as much of the water as quickly as possible.

Prevent Mold Damage After a Storm

Once the area has been declared safe, remove porous materials such as carpet or drywall that have become wet. Upholstered furniture that is significantly wet may need to be discarded as well. The cost of replacing these items is far less than mitigating a full-blown mold infestation.

If you Have Power:

• Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up as much water as you can from damp carpets and upholstery. While not as powerful as professional water extraction systems, they can help to remove much more water than simple evaporation.
• Set up fans or blowers to keep the air circulating, and if you have a dehumidifier turn it on to its maximum setting. Be sure to empty the collection tank or check the drainage hose frequently.

Escarosa Pro Tip: If you are only using fans to prevent mold damage, leave windows and doors open during the day. If you have a dehumidifier, keep exterior openings closed while it is running!

If you Don’t Have Power:

Without the benefit of electric fans or dehumidifiers, preventing mold damage is more difficult, but there are still actions you can take to help remove the moisture.

• Open up all of your doors and windows during the warm, dryer daytime hours. Be sure to close up the house at night or when it is raining.
• Open up all closets, drawers, cabinets and storage areas in your home that may be holding moisture. If the contents of these areas have become wet, remove them to dry outside or discard them.

Call the Flood Damage Restoration Experts!

While the above steps can get you started on drying out your home, calling in the professionals is always the best bet. The water extraction experts at Escarosa Cleaning and Restoration have the experience, equipment and know-how to prevent mold after a flood. Call us at (850) 432-6060 to discuss how we can help to return your home to a safe, dry state.