In anticipation of possible flooding this weekend, the Allegheny County Health Department reports that proper cleanup and repair procedures are necessary to avoid future problems with mold in flood-damaged properties.

Health officials recommend the following measures to assure a safe environment:

• Dry out wet or damp areas as thoroughly as possible.  Open doors and windows.  Use fans, de-humidifiers and air conditioners to dry out damp environments.
• Be patient.  Drying out a house can take weeks.  Damage from mildew and decay will continue until a house is reasonably dry, and musty odors linger if a house is not dried out well.
• Scrub hard, non-porous surfaces with commercial cleaning products or detergent and water, and then disinfect the surfaces with a solution of household bleach and water – one and a quarter-cup of bleach per gallon of water if floodwaters come from sewers and a quarter-cup of bleach to a gallon of water if floodwaters aren’t tainted by sewage.
• Any items made of porous or absorbent materials that have been saturated in floodwaters should be thrown away.  This includes ceilings and walls made of such materials.
• Remove and replace wallboard and fiberglass or cellulose insulation up to the point where it absorbed water.  Styrofoam insulation may only need to be hosed off.
• Plaster walls and ceilings take a very long time to dry and generally do no have to replaced unless they have many cracks or are sagging and in danger of collapse.
• Remove all wall covering that got wet and throw it out because it can keep walls from drying out.  Also remove wallpaper paste, which can promote the growth of mold and mildew.
• Remove water trapped behind walls.  Check for water by sticking an awl or knife into the wall.  If water drips out, drill a hole large enough for the water to drain out.
• Wood, including studs, sills and paneling, generally does not have to be replaced when it is allowed to dry naturally and properly.
• Remove and throw away soaked floor coverings to dry out flooded floors.
• Make sure hard surfaces are clean and completely dried out before painting or caulking.
• If you use a contractor for flood cleanup and repairs, be sure to ask for and check references.  Look for contractors who are affiliated with professional organizations.
• Please visit the Allegheny County Health Department’s web site, www.achd.net, for more detailed flood cleanup and repair information.

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