Irene Left A Mess – Now What?

Even before Hurricane Irene hit, the Northeast experienced a record rainfall this August. Irene just added more problems to our already damp or flooded basements and high water tables.

Now what?

First off,  let’s not forget about mold, which can get a jumpstart anywhere water has seeped into your home. Within 24 hours, toxic mold can become a problem.

You might not see it immediately, but within a few weeks, mold’s smell will tell you it has taken hold.

And that’s when the real problems begin, since mold can trigger allergies that cause headaches and coughing, as well as irritate the nose, skin, and eyes. For people with asthma, mold can make breathing particularly difficult.

Steps to take

There are immediate steps homeowners should take as soon as water enters their houses:

• Take pictures of the damage, and remove the water immediately. Don’t wait for your insurance company to call you back. Waiting — even for a few hours — could accentuate the problem.
• Mop, vacuum, or pump water out of the affected area as soon as possible. Remove wet items and materials.
• Dry out residual moisture that is left in concrete, wood, and other materials. You can use a dehumidifier or ventilation. If basement or attic windows open, mount fans in the openings. Unplug electrical devices and turn off the circuit breakers in the wet area, if possible.
• Anything that is not wet, bring to higher ground.
• Some items, once wet, should be thrown away immediately, including cosmetics, medical supplies, stuffed animals, and baby toys.
• Toss out materials that can’t be dried within 24 hours, such as mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, and items containing paper, including wallboard.
• Put aluminum foil under the legs of furniture to avoid staining damp floors. Wooden clothespins can keep upholstered furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Once the area is dry, bring in dehumidifiers and large fans to remove any excess moisture.
• Have your home tested for mold by an accredited inspection company.

Contact Environmental Testing Experts

Worried about hidden hazards in your home? Don’t guess—test. Your health and peace of mind are too important to leave to chance. Contact the certified experts at RTK Environmental Group today to schedule an independent, unbiased inspection