MOLD: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/mold-problems-and-solutions] 

Release Date: 
Jul 29, 2023 

If your home was flooded, mold may be present and can pose a health
risk. You may see or smell mold on clothing, drywall or furniture, and
it may be hidden under or behind items like flooring, appliances or
walls. Drying your home and removing water-damaged items is the most
important step to repair mold damage.

MOLD CAN CAUSE:

	* HEALTH RISKS: Mold spores are microscopic organisms that float
through the air and cause problems with allergies, asthma, infections,
and other respiratory issues. Mold can cause medical issues for anyone
– but infants, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune
systems may experience more severe reactions. People with breathing
problems like asthma or a weakened immune system should stay away from
mold.
	* STRUCTURAL DAMAGE: It is possible to have mold damage even if you
don’t have other visible damage. If your home has mold, everything
that has been contaminated must be cleaned and dried. Items that
cannot be properly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours must be
discarded, including building materials and personal property.
Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.

HOW TO REMOVE MOLD

Mold removal and home repairs may be difficult or dangerous, so it may
be best to get help from a professional. If you must remove the mold
yourself, follow these steps:

	* WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR: protective eye masks or goggles, filter face
masks (like an N95 respirator), gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long
pants, and waterproof boots will help you avoid contact with mold.
	* DRY THE STRUCTURE: Clean and dry the structure as quickly as
possible. If your house has been empty for several days, open doors
and windows to let the house air out for at least 30 minutes before
you stay for any length of time. Open inside doors, especially closets
and interior rooms. Open kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity doors,
and wipe them clean with soap and water. When electricity is safe to
operate, use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and remove
moisture. Position fans to blow air out doors and windows. Have your
heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system checked _before_ you
turn it on so it doesn’t spread mold through your home.
	* REMOVE ALL CONTAMINATED MATERIALS: Remove and dispose of anything
that was wet and can’t be cleaned and dried completely.
	* CLEAN: Clean with soap and water. Remove all mold you can see. Dry
right away. Do not mix cleaning products together. DO NOT mix bleach
and ammonia – doing so will create toxic vapors.  After you finish
cleaning the home, shower and change your clothes as soon as possible
to avoid carrying mold to your current living quarters.
	* PREPARE TO REPAIR: Painting or caulking over mold will not prevent
it from growing. Fix the water or moisture problem completely and
clean up all mold before you paint or caulk. Remove all mold and
disinfect everywhere mold was present before you begin repairs.

APPLY FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE

If possible, TAKE PICTURES OF DAMAGE before you make repairs to your
home. KEEP RECEIPTS for all out-of-pocket repair expenses to show the
FEMA inspector – this will ensure they have the most accurate record
of your damage and expenses for their report.

To apply for FEMA assistance, call the helpline at 800-621-3362, visit
DisasterAssistance.gov [http://www.disasterassistance.gov] or
download the FEMA App
[https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products]. If you
use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned
telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service
when you apply.

For in-person help, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, where FEMA
specialists can help with applications, answer questions and provide
referrals to resources. To find a center near you, visit fema.gov/drc
[https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator].

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished
equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color,
religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or
economic status.  Any disaster survivor or member of the public may
contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the
victim of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be
contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are
available.