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Avoid Problems from Microbial Growth
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends
the following actions to prevent microbial growth resulting from flooding.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pdfs/floods.pdf
Remove Standing Water
Standing water is a breeding ground for microorganisms,
which can become airborne and be inhaled. Where floodwater contains sewage
or decaying animal carcasses, infectious disease is of concern. Even when
flooding is due to rainwater, the growth of microorganisms can cause
allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For these health reasons, and
to lessen structural damage, all standing water should be removed as quickly
as possible.
Dry Out Your Home
Excess moisture in the home is an indoor air quality concern
for three reasons:
Microorganisms brought into the home during flooding may present a health
hazard.
These organisms can penetrate deep into soaked, porous materials and
later be released
into air or water. Coming in contact with air or water that
contains these organisms can
make you sick.
High humidity and moist materials provide ideal
environments for the excessive growth
of microorganisms that are always present in the home. This may result in
additional health
concerns such as allergic reactions.
Long-term increases in humidity in the home can also
foster the growth of dust mites. Dust
mites are a major cause of allergic reactions and asthma.
Be patient. The drying out process could take several weeks,
and growth of microorganisms will continue as long as humidity is high. If
the house is not dried out properly, a musty odor, signifying growth of
microorganisms can remain long after the flood.
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Ten Tips to Prevent Flooding of Your Home or Business
Water flooding of ones home or business can cause severe water damage. The flooding can also result in massive mold growth inside of, and on, the walls, ceilings, floors, basement, crawl space, attic, and the heating/cooling equipment and ducts.
Here are ten tips to help minimize the possibilities of water flooding, and thus to help prevent water and mold damage to your home or business, according to Phillip Fry, Certified Mold Inspector and Certified Mold Remediator, and author of the book Do-It-Best-Yourself Mold Prevention, Inspection, Testing, and Remediation.
1. If you are going to be away from your home or business for the weekend, a vacation, or any other prolonged absence, turn off the water inlet valve at your outside water meter or water well so that water cannot flood your home through a plumbing line break or leak that develops during your absence.
2. Periodically, turn off all water-using equipment/fixtures in your home or business so that you can carefully watch your water meter usage dial for an hour or so to make sure that the water meter is not turning because of water flowing in a hidden or unknown water leak.
3. Make sure that your outdoor lot grading takes water away from your home or business and NOT toward your home.
4. Make sure that the drain lines from your roof gutters take the water away from your home or business and NOT put the rainfall into the ground around your home foundation and basement walls.
5. Have your roof carefully inspected at least once a year by a licensed roof contractor or a capable handyman who should check the roof thoroughly for missing shingles, degraded roof components, separation of the roof from chimneys and exhaust pipes, and other roof problems.
6. If your house or commercial lot is at risk of flooding from a higher neighboring property, build on your lot lines a solid wall masonry fence [hollow block construction with cement surface finishing containing adequate amounts of waterproofing compound] on such water-vulnerable boundaries of your property.
7. Use a hidden moisture meter from time to time to scan all floors, walls, and ceilings for hidden moisture/water problems [such as from roof leaks, siding leaks, or plumbing leaks].
8. Make sure that the condensation drain line from your roof-mounted air conditioning unit is not clogged [and thus allowing the backup of condensate water into your home or business because of the clogged drain line].
9. Be ever vigilant for warning signs of an impending water flood problem---such as water stains and mold growth on ceilings and walls, the underside of attic roof sheathing, and mold water pooling, water dripping, water leaks, or mold growth anywhere inside your home or business.
10. Where possible, do not install water-using items such as solar collection panels, air conditioning units, and hot water heaters on your home or business roof or inside the attic. If you already have such items installed in such locations, remove and then reinstall them in less-risky areas [such as over your garage, covered patio or porch, or workshop---or on the ground].
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