How to Treat Mold After a Hurricane

The following recommendations are from FEMA. In the event of severe flooding, FEMA recommends several policies to keep citizens safe from the dangers of mold. Mold infestations can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation. So, before returning home, make sure the area is free and clear of mold. If you are unsure, call your local EPA office for more information.

In addition, any area over 10 square feet should be cleaned by a professional.
Mold Clean-Up Tips

• Clean the area to remove, as much as possible, the mold and the material on which it is growing
• Clean with a non-ammonia detergent in hot water
• Scrub the entire area affected by the moisture
• Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad on block walls or uneven surfaces
• Rinse the area with clean water
• Thoroughly dry the area as quickly as possible
• Repeat cleaning as necessary to remove mold
• Disinfect with a 10% bleach solution (1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water), by applying a thin coat of bleach solution to the entire area, ensuring that the entire area is cleaned, not just the area where the moisture problem occurred. Use a sprayer or a sponge to apply the solution liberally, but avoid excessive amounts of runoff or standing pools
• Allow the area to dry naturally. Drying time is important for the disinfectant to be effective at killing mold and bacteria

Resources

Strategies for protecting yourself from mold after a hurricane

Mold prevention strategies from the CDC

Brochure on getting rid of mold

FEMA mold cleanup tips