Water Damage & Mold Prevention

First 48 Hours

• Determine when the water damage occurred if possible, and work to dry out your home within 48 hours. First, you must locate the source of the water damage and make repairs to stop the flooding if applicable. Take care with flooding from rainwater or floods; this water should be treated as if it is contaminated. Also turn off electricity if the water level is high enough to come in contact with electrical wires. Manually remove as much water as possible and begin drying your floors. Take rugs outside to dry.

  Use a water extraction vacuum to remove water from carpets and floors. Use the vacuum to extract water from upholstered furniture. Remove and discard water damaged tiles and insulation. Take readings on your walls with a moisture meter and compare the results with a nondamaged wall in another room to make sure your wall is sufficiently dried out within 48 hours. If it is not, cut above the water line and replace the wallboard. Wash wooden floors and surfaces with a soap and water solution and allow to dry. If your paneling is wet, pry it away from the wall so it gets dry underneath. Use dehumidifiers, fans or central heat to dry out the area as quickly as possible.

After 48 Hours

• Observe your home for signs of mold if 48 hours have passed since the water damage occurred. If your home smells musty or you can see mold, then you must take safety precautions before working in the area. You must wear a respirator so you don't inhale mold as it can cause serious illness. Wear boots, gloves and protective clothing. Your home will now require thorough cleaning and disinfecting. Get rid of furniture that has been wet for longer than 48 hours. You may also need to pull up and replace your carpet. Cut and remove wallboards that have been submerged in water.

Prevention

• Prevent the growth of dangerous mold by watching for signs of water leaks in your home. If you see a water stain, use a moisture meter to determine if it is from a current leak or an old one. If you see a wet spot on your carpet, dry it out and watch closely to see if it returns. Repair all leaky plumbing in your house. Check under sinks to make sure it is not damp there. Repair roof leaks so your home does not become damp when it rains. Landscape your yard in such a way that water drains away from your home when you get heavy rainfall.