At a disaster, the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach (CEO) group, in collaboration with the state, decides which of these approved publications and resources support the Hazard Mitigation Strategy for the disaster. A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean- up, drying, and/or removal of water-damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth. Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air. Only properly trained mold remediation workers should attempt clean-up and containment at this volume. Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality. Information on indoor comfort products and services. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. It also requires periodic maintenance to remain effective. Please note that these are guidelines; some professionals may prefer other remediation methods, and certain circumstances may require different approaches or variations on the approaches described below. Mold slide 1 of 2 The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control If mold is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. Indoor environmental quality training center giving courses in building moisture and biocontamination, and managing and operating facilities for good IAQ. Removing people from spaces near the work area is recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immunosuppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. It can be accessed from the internet via the Homeland Security Information Network using any computer or from the intranet using a FEMA computer. Molds gradually damage building materials and furnishings. If you suspect that mold has damaged building integrity, consult a structural engineer or other professional with the appropriate expertise. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. Each lesson will take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. What is mold? Losing these tanks results in major costs and inconvenience to their owners. These remediation guidelines are based on the size of the affected area to make it easier for remediators to select appropriate techniques, not on the basis of research showing there is a specific method appropriate at a certain number of square feet. Do not use fungicides developed for outdoor use in any indoor application, as they can be extremely toxic to animals and humans in an enclosed environment. This section provides a brief overview, but does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. Containment of the work area is not necessary. This type of floodproofing is often used to protect non-residential structures, water supplies, and sewage systems. How Do You Know When You Have Finished Remediation/Cleanup? Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach group. Always, read and follow product label precautions. Short circuits in flooded systems pose an increased potential for fire. business. Structures must be elevated by trained professionals. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with the respect to wood-framed buildings, affecting the structural integrity of the buildings. When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. In January 2019, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released: Dampness and Mold Assessment Tool for General Buildings (PDF) These tools may help identify and determine the severity of known and unknown areas of dampness and mold, prioritize repair and remediation, and track past and present problems. Floods are one of the most commonly occurring natural hazards in the United States. Mold Cleanup. Venting kitchens (cooking areas) and bathrooms according to local code requirements. JAWS assistive technology users can press the 'Ctrl" key to quiet the screen reader while the course audio plays. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) represents the building industry for members and affiliated state and local builders organizations. As a member of FEMAs Hazard Mitigation disaster workforce, you are expected to be able to explainto the public: This independent study course is part of a series of five, intended for the Hazard Mitigation disaster workforce. People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms. This completes this lesson. Use hand, eye, and respiratory protection. The purpose of mold remediation is to correct the moisture problem and to remove moldy and contaminated materials to prevent human exposure and further damage to building materials and furnishings. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)indicate these anticipated levels, called Base Flood Elevations (BFE). Disposable PPE should be discarded after it is used. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Available in both English and Spanish languages. Testing is usually done to compare the levels and types of mold spores found inside the building with those found outside of the building or for comparison with another location in the building. Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered? It provides an overview of mold and how it impacts peoples health, what can be done to fix a mold problem, and how to prevent mold problems. They should not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. Who's affected? Fix source(s) of moisture incursion problem(s) as soon as possible. Level IV: Extensive Contamination (greater than 100 contiguous square feet in an area). These materials can then usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. What happens once a loss claim has been reported, Explain the risk and the mitigation actions clearly and at a level of detail appropriate to the listener, Refer to publications/websites that reinforce or provide additional information about rebuilding or repairing to reduce future risk of damages, Communicating basic information to the public about flood-related mold issues, FEMA publications to promote flood mitigation, FEMA-approved online resources available for flood mitigation, Appropriate actions to take when advising the public. Flood insurance is the best way to protect from devastating financial loss. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas. Protecting Your Property from Flooding provides information on damage-resistant building materials, dry flood proofing, raising electrical components, anchoring fuel tanks, raising HVAC equipment, protecting walls and installing sewer backflow valves. Home Builders Guide to Coastal Construction is a FEMA produced series of 31 fact sheets providing technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings. Removing mold and mold conditions does not protect a building from mold in future hazard events. Contractors and other professionals (e.g. Non-porous surfaces and porous materials that cannot be removed should be cleaned using a soap or detergent solution. Some biocides are considered pesticides, and some states require that only registered pesticide applicators apply these products in schools, commercial buildings, and homes. In addition, before deciding to relocate occupants, one should also evaluate the remediator's ability to contain/minimize possible aerosolization of mold spores given their expertise and the physical parameters of the workspace. Microscopic identification of the spores/ colonies requires considerable expertise. Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with: Full face piece respirators with HEPA cartridges; Disposable protective clothing covering entire body including both head and shoes; and. In addition, use of respirators requires the employer to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program, with worksite-specific procedures and elements. Track your progress by looking at the Progress bar at the top right of each screen. Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. A storm surge can occur in just a few minutes. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold. A quick guide to the dangers of mold in your home. This guide is intended to provide streamlined guidance to state, territorial, and tribal governments on the essential elements of Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and required actions to request, initiate, and receive FEMA disaster assistance grants. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program explains the NFIP, including coverage, claims, flood maps, and FEMAs repetitive loss strategy. Many communities have adopted even stricter standards in their floodplain ordinance and require higher elevation called freeboard. Freeboard helps compensate for many unknown factors that can contribute to flood heights greater than those calculated in base flood elevations, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the effects of urbanization of the watershed. Press Enter to select a navigation button or hyperlink. If you are using a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC. Use Ctrl + Tab to deselect an element or reset to the beginning of a screens navigation links (most often needed for screens with animations or media). Flooding can cause sewage from sewer lines to back up through drain pipes. Mold can generally be removed from nonporous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water and detergent. Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting. www.ascr.org/institutes [http://www.restorationindustry.org]. In some cases, especially those involving large areas of contamination, the remediation plan may include temporary relocation of some or all of the building occupants. Your first step should be to inspect for any evidence of water damage and visible mold growth. Several federal agencies also publish information about mold, including: Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service Carpet maintenance, restoration guidelines for water-damaged carpet, other carpet-related issues. Information on industrial hygiene and indoor air quality issues including mold hazards and legal issues. A variety of cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. Outdoor utilities such as heat pumps or air conditioners can be protected by placing them on an elevated platform above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). A good way to protect HVAC equipment is to locate it on an upper floor or in the attic rather than in the basement or lower level of a structure. Hazard Mitigation staff have a variety of FEMA resources available to help educate the public on flood mitigation techniques. The building owner, management, and/or employer should notify occupants in the affected area(s) of the presence of mold. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc., known as FLASH, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation across a variety of natural hazards, including floods. After a flood, there are many mitigation measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of future flood damage. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation, although there may be instances where professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immuno-compromised individuals are present). Molds typically consist of a network of threadlike filaments that infiltrate the surface on which the mold is growing. Molds can cause adverse effects by producing allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions). Insurance can be purchased for structures, contents, or both. Refer to an HM Insurance Specialist at the JFO if you need assistance with answering a specific question from a member of the public, or if you need clarification and additional information about aspects of the NFIP. For additional information on air sampling, refer to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' document, "Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control." It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in this fashion to minimize the dispersion of mold spores. Building materials and furnishings contaminated with mold growth that are not salvageable should be placed in sealed impermeable bags or closed containers while in the remediation area. River and stream flooding may be triggered by heavy rains, melting snows, and storm surge. Hazard Mitigation (HM) staff should only distribute mold publications provided by HM . Coastal flooding occurs when intense offshore storm systems push ocean water inland above the normal tide level. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. Referrals to clinics with physicians, who have experience with environmental exposures, include exposure to mold; maintains a database of occupational and environmental cases. These barriers, including levees, berms, floodwalls, and temporary barriers, may be used to create a protected area for a single structure or for multiple structures. People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. The site includes recommended mitigation strategies for most types of natural hazards. Flood water can easily damage electrical system components including service panels, meters, switches, and outlets. If a propertys water supply comes from a well, flood waters entering that well can contaminate the groundwater and make the well water unsafe. Their website, FLASH.org, has preparedness and post-disaster materials that Hazard Mitigation staff or the public can easily access. It serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before a policy goes into effect, but there are exceptions. You must have identified and completely corrected the source of the water or moisture problem. Devastating floods occur throughout the United States every year. In addition, there are no standards for "acceptable" levels of mold in buildings, and the lack of a definitive correlation between exposure levels and health effects makes interpreting the data difficult, if not impossible. Publications on floods, flood proofing, etc. Hurricanes, tsunamis, and unusually high tides can cause coastal flooding. Large items with heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before being removed from the remediation area. For more information about the other courses, refer to the EMI website at http://training.fema.gov. Wells suspected of being contaminated should be inspected by a professional. When using fans, take care not to extend the zone of contamination by distributing mold spores to a previously unaffected area. If left unchecked, mold can eventually cause structural damage to a wood framed building, weakening floors and walls as it feeds on moist wooden structural members. In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Accredited laboratories must participate in quarterly proficiency testing (Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (EMPAT)). Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public. In this lesson you learned about the mitigation methods for flooding that included: Lesson 5: Official Information and Resources. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim paid has amounted to nearly $48,000. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (. Proper well construction will protect a well from contamination. Please click here to see any active alerts. Floodwaters in closed-basin lakes accumulate over long periods of time and may stay for weeks, months, or years. The information in these guidelines is intended only as a summary of basic procedures and is not intended, nor should it be used, as a detailed guide to mold remediation. We would not have food and medicines, like cheese and penicillin, without mold. What can he do? This mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely. This completes the final lesson in this course. There are two main types of floodproofing measures: Wet floodproofing is any measure applied to a structure and/or its contents that prevents or reduces damage from flooding while allowing flood waters to enter the structure. In conducting the mold remediation, every effort should be made to keep dust and mold out of the air. 1. In January 2019, theNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released: These tools may help identify and determine the severity of known and unknown areas of dampness and mold, prioritize repair and remediation, and track past and present problems. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. If you know you have a mold problem, it is more important to spend time and resources removing the mold and solving the moisture problem that causes the moldy conditions than to undertake extensive testing for the type and quantity of mold. A licensed well-drilling contractor can inspect a well and suggest improvements such as: Elevating a structure reduces the risk of flood damage by raising the entire building above the BFE indicated on the FEMA flood map. Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding explains the meaning of retrofitting and details six retrofitting methods that protect the house from flooding including elevating, wet and dry floodproofing, relocating, floodwalls, and protecting service equipment.

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