Mold Resources

There are random scenarios, such as a burst pipe or faulty appliance, that can lead to flooding, but there are also times when you know beforehand that a serious water event will occur. Hurricanes, a heavy rain season, and rising water levels are a few examples. 

In these instances, it’s important to have a plan in place so that you can start taking steps to protect your home and help prevent mold after a flood. 

A few things you should tackle include:

• Install and activate sump pumps or french drains. These will help direct any pooled water away from the home so that it doesn’t continue to build up and cause mold after a flood. If possible, get a battery-operated backup pump as well, so that it can still be used in the event of power loss. 

• Clean out the gutters and make sure that they’re ready for the oncoming watery event. This will help properly divert as much water as possible from the home.

• Opt for flood damage-resistant and moisture-resistant building materials. These materials are designed to sustain little or no damage after 72 hours of water exposure and can be successfully cleaned after a flood to render them free of harmful pollutants. Check out this guideline by FEMA for more information. 

• Create a list of professionals to contact to help handle the situation properly. This can include a qualified remediation team, a qualified mold inspector, professionals who can repair anything in the home, insurance companies, and contractors for major construction damage.

• Elevate appliances and utilities. This will not only help you save money, but also help your home continue to function properly after a flooding event. The use of utilities can help you dry out your space faster, which is key to avoiding mold after a flood. 

• Make sure you have a generator ready and that it’s in working order. With flooding often comes a loss of power, which can interfere with the sump pump’s ability to drain water.

• Move as many nonporous items as possible to a higher elevation. These take longer to properly dry out and are much more difficult to decontaminate if mold after a flood occurs in your home. 

• Double-check the property for any cracks in the foundation. If you find any, make sure to resolve them as soon as possible before the oncoming inclement weather so that moisture doesn’t sneak inside.

• Ensure that the flood drain plug or backwater valve is in good condition and is working properly. This will help prevent water or sewage from backing up into a home.

• Create an after-flood tool kit. This should include everything you’ll need to quickly and effectively dry out the space, which is crucial in helping prevent mold after a flood. The kit should include a shop vac equipped for wet vacuuming, botanical cleaning products, a mop, microfiber towels, and a dehumidifier. 

• Deploy flood barriers around the property. These are designed to prevent water from entering a home, which can help avoid mold after a flood. 

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it will be a great starting point to make sure your home is protected as much as possible. 

To learn more about, “How Do You Prevent Mold After a Flood Occured in the Home,” click here. 

To learn more about, “How Do You Prevent Flooding in a Home,” click here.  

To learn more about, “Does Your Insurance Cover Flooding and Mold,” click here.