Tips for Cleaning Your Home after Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida residents returning to or repairing homes damaged by Hurricane Matthew should keep in mind that safety should always be their first consideration when inspecting and cleaning up buildings damaged by flood waters.

Below are a few simple guidelines to follow that will make the clean-up and salvage process safer and easier:

  • Always wear protective clothing including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots or shoes.

  • Before entering your home, look outside for damaged power lines, gas lines and other exterior damage.

  • Take photos of your damage before you begin clean up and save repair receipts.

  • Your home may be contaminated with mold, which raises the health risk for those with asthma, allergies and breathing conditions. Refer to the Center for Disease Control for more info on mold: www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/pdf/flyer-get-rid-of-mold.pdf.

  • Open doors and windows so your house can air out before spending any length of time inside.

  • Turn off main electrical power and water systems and don’t use gas appliances until a professional can ensure they are safe.

  • Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other potentially dangerous structural damage.

  • Throw out all foods, beverages and medicines exposed to flood waters or mud including canned goods and containers with food or liquid.

  • Also, throw out any items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, stuffed animals, etc.).

  • Beware of snakes, insects, alligators and other animals that may be on your property or in your home.

  • Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.

  • Clean all hard surfaces (flooring, countertops, appliances, sinks, etc.) thoroughly with hot water and soap or detergent.

Before returning to your home, make sure you have the following items among your clean-up and salvage supplies: government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, etc.) and proof of address; bottled water and non-perishable foods; first aid kit; cleanser or hand cleaning gel; hygiene products and toilet paper; insect repellent and sunscreen; flashlights and extra batteries; camera or cell phone to document damage; a list of important phone numbers; and plenty of cash (ATMs may not work).

It’s also smart to create a back-up communication plan with family and friends in case you’re unable to call from your home or other areas affected by the hurricane.

If you haven’t done so already, report your damage from the hurricane to your insurance company and local emergency manager.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog. For imagery, video, graphics and releases, see www.fema.gov/hurricane-Matthew.

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Tips for Cleaning Your Home after Hurricane Matthew

New York State Fire Training Facility Granted New, Fully Equipped Truck

Replaces 39-Year Old Vehicle Used to Train NYS Firefighters

New York, NY — The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) has received a federal grant to purchase a new, well outfitted fire truck that will be used in the training of New York State’s firefighters that attend training at the New York State Academy of Fire Science, FEMA’s Ms. Dale McShine announced here today.

As Director of FEMA’s Grants Division in New York, which administers the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program for Region II, Ms. McShine said that the grant was for $382,000, and totaled $450,000 with the local share of $67,500.

New York State is home to approximately 1786 municipal fire departments in the state, staffed by roughly 96,100 volunteer firefighters and 18,500 career personnel, according to Deputy Chief David Martinichio of OFPC’s Fire Operations and Training Branch.  Through a network of 400 part-time instructors and 120 full-time fire protection specialists, OFPC annually trains 40,000 – 50,000 firefighters per year with 6,000 to 7,000 attending the residential fire training facility, located in Schuyler County. 

The1975 vehicle no longer met current requirements, Deputy Chief Martinichio said, adding that “the condition of the vehicle and the high cost of repairs made it unsafe and too costly to keep in service.” The new engine has a six-person cab, can pump 1500 gallons per minute, and has an array of modern ladders, and other up-to-date equipment, all of which meet the criteria of the National Fire Protection Association. 

DHSES Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer said, “I am pleased that the Office of Fire Prevention and Control is able to take advantage of the Assistance for Firefighters Grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Training is an integral part of any firefighter’s toolkit and having state of the art equipment for this purpose will allow New York’s firefighters to improve their skills to better aid the communities they serve.”

FEMA’s Dale McShine said that the AFG program has been aiding firefighters and other first responders since 2001, “providing critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources” needed to help the public and emergency responders from fire and related hazards.  “This award to New York State’s Fire Training Program, with its considerable reach,” she said, “is especially gratifying.”

State Fire Administrator Bryant Stevens added, “the new engine will be a welcome addition to the current cadre of fire apparatus utilized at the Academy of Fire Science and will allow us to continue to provide the quality training that New York’s firefighters expect and deserve”.

“This is the first year that state fire training academies have been eligible to apply for AFG awards,” the Academy’s Assistant Business Officer Kathyrene O’Connor pointed out, adding that provisions for grants to academies allow a maximum of $500,000 per award for equipment, personal protective equipment, or vehicles, with a 15 percent match from the state.  “This is a significant development,” she said, “because it allows us to make our training all the more effective, along with enhancing the safety of the students attending the program.”

Tania Hedlund, FEMA’s Branch Chief for Grants, reported that, in 2012, the AFG provided funding of $25,340,000 for FEMA’s Region II (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands).

For further information, please contact William H. Douglass at FEMA: 212-680-3665 or 917-561-3223.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Original article:  

New York State Fire Training Facility Granted New, Fully Equipped Truck

$332 Million in Federal Funding Supports Nassau County’s Sandy Recovery

NEW YORK — FEMA has approved nearly $333 million in Hurricane Sandy assistance to fund emergency efforts and help repair and rebuild public infrastructure in Nassau County.                                    

To date, local, state and federal recovery officials have identified 819 projects from applicants in Nassau County that are eligible for Public Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The $332,775,166 in assistance represents 90 percent of the cost of approved PA projects that will be reimbursed by FEMA. The state manages the PA program and disburses funding.

A breakdown by category of work:

         Debris Removal                                                   $200,077,734

         Emergency Protective Measures                         $  65,104,573

         Roads and Bridges                                              $    2,651,220

         Water Control Facilities                                       $       203,701

         Buildings and Equipment                                    $  27,679,369

         Utilities                                                                $    4,939,793

         Parks, Recreational, and Other Facilities           $  32,118,774

More than $6.2 million is included in the funding for Nassau County for permanent work to reduce or eliminate repeat disaster damage.

PA applicants included:

  • state agencies
  • local and county governments
  • private nonprofit organizations that own or operate facilities that provide essential government-type services

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

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$332 Million in Federal Funding Supports Nassau County’s Sandy Recovery

Request for Public Assistance deadline extended until Nov. 30

DENVER – The deadline for eligible applicants to apply for a Request for Public Assistance has been extended to Nov. 30, 2013.

Eligible applicants are local governments, certain nonprofit organizations and state agencies in the 18 Colorado counties designated for Public Assistance.

Originally, the first 10 counties designated in September had a deadline of Nov. 16. The counties are Adams, Boulder, Clear Creek, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Logan, Morgan, Washington and Weld.

The additional eight counties designated in October, Arapahoe, Crowley, Denver, Fremont, Gilpin, Lake, Lincoln and Sedgwick, previously had a Nov. 20 deadline.

FEMA Public Assistance funding helps communities recover by providing a 75 percent federal reimbursement for eligible, disaster-related costs for debris removal, emergency measures, and permanent work to repair and replace disaster-damaged public facilities.

The remaining 25 percent non-federal share comes from state and local sources. The state manages the grants for all projects.

Projects fall into the following categories:

  • Category A: Debris Removal
  • Category B: Emergency Protective Measures
  • Category C: Road Systems and Bridges
  • Category D: Water Control Facilities
  • Category E: Public Buildings and Contents
  • Category F: Public Utilities
  • Category G: Parks, Recreational and other

More here:

Request for Public Assistance deadline extended until Nov. 30

Kansas Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damaged Homes and Businesses

Kansas City, Mo – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) offers safety tips to residents returning to check on flood damaged property and encourages them to file flood insurance claims.

Potential health/safety hazards after a disaster include carbon monoxide poisoning from generators used to power homes or clean-up equipment; electrocution from stepping into water charged by live electric wires; infections to cuts or scrapes that come into contact with surfaces contaminated by floodwater; chemical hazards from spills or storage tank breaks, respiratory and heat-related illnesses; and the worsening of chronic illness from overexertion.

For some, flooding continues to be a concern, if a flood is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to your radio or television for information.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood that could affect you, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. If in your vehicle, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
  • United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies (see below).

BEWARE OF Hazards

  • First, check for damage. Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. Contact professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric or sewer lines.
  • Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
  • Boil water until authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.

File your Flood Insurance Claim

  • Call your insurance agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. Have the following information with you when you place your call: (1) the name of your insurance company (your agent may write policies for more than one company); (2) your policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached.
  • Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. If necessary, place these items outside the home. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (e.g., cut swatches from carpeting) to prepare your repair estimate.
  • List damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible. If possible, supply receipts for those lost items to the adjuster. Officials may require disposal of damaged items. If so, try to keep a swatch or other sample of the items for the adjuster.

Clean Up

  • Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold. Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. During the first 48 hours, you can help control mold growth by cleaning with non-ammonia detergents, soap, or commercial cleaner and disinfecting with a 10 percent bleach solution (1-1/2 cups of bleach in a gallon of water). Then dry and monitor for several days. If any mold develops, throw the item away.
  • Thoroughly dry out the building’s interior. Portable dehumidifiers are useful, and rental costs may be covered under your flood policy. An air conditioner can also be used to start the drying-out process.
  • Help damaged walls dry out. If the walls are damaged, take photographs of the baseboard. Then remove the baseboard. Knock small holes at floor level in the drywall, between the wall studs. This will let moisture trapped behind the drywall seep out.
  • Have your furnace checked for damage. Your water heater may work, but if the floodwater covered part of, or the entire tank, the insulation between the walls may be damaged. Obtain an estimate to replace the damaged furnace and water heater.

Flooding Resources for Kansans include:

FOR MORE INFORMATION

  • Contact your local building inspections or planning office or county clerk’s office to get more information on local building requirements before repairing your structure. If you can’t find a local contact, call your state NFIP coordinator. Contact information can be found at www.floods.org/statepocs/stcoor.asp.

BE FLOODSMART: More severe weather could be on the way, so prepare today!

  • Stay informed. Monitor local weather forecasts, watches, and warnings.
  • Don’t drive through floodwater. Most deaths in floods occur when people try to drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.

To file a flood insurance claim or learn more about purchasing flood insurance to protect your property, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call 1-800-427-2419.

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Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

See original: 

Kansas Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damaged Homes and Businesses

Missouri Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damanged Homes and Businesses

Kansas City, Mo –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers safety tips to residents returning to check on flood damaged property and encourages them to file flood insurance claims.

Potential health/safety hazards after a disaster include carbon monoxide poisoning from generators used to power homes or clean-up equipment; electrocution from stepping into water charged by live electric wires; infections to cuts or scrapes that come into contact with surfaces contaminated by floodwater; chemical hazards from spills or storage tank breaks, respiratory and heat-related illnesses; and the worsening of chronic illness from overexertion.

For some, flooding continues to be a concern, if a flood is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to your radio or television for information.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood that could affect you, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. If in your vehicle, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
  • United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies (see below).

BEWARE OF Hazards

  • First, check for damage. Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. Contact professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric or sewer lines.
  • Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
  • Boil water until authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.

File your Flood Insurance Claim

  • Call your insurance agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. Have the following information with you when you place your call: (1) the name of your insurance company (your agent may write policies for more than one company); (2) your policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached. 
  • Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. If necessary, place these items outside the home. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (e.g., cut swatches from carpeting) to prepare your repair estimate.
  • List damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible. If possible, supply receipts for those lost items to the adjuster. Officials may require disposal of damaged items. If so, try to keep a swatch or other sample of the items for the adjuster.

 Clean Up

  • Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold. Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. During the first 48 hours, you can help control mold growth by cleaning with non-ammonia detergents, soap, or commercial cleaner and disinfecting with a 10 percent bleach solution (1-1/2 cups of bleach in a gallon of water). Then dry and monitor for several days. If any mold develops, throw the item away.
  • Thoroughly dry out the building’s interior. Portable dehumidifiers are useful, and rental costs may be covered under your flood policy. An air conditioner can also be used to start the drying-out process.
  • Help damaged walls dry out. If the walls are damaged, take photographs of the baseboard. Then remove the baseboard.  Knock small holes at floor level in the drywall, between the wall studs. This will let moisture trapped behind the drywall seep out.
  • Have your furnace checked for damage. Your water heater may work, but if the floodwater covered part of, or the entire tank, the insulation between the walls may be damaged. Obtain an estimate to replace the damaged furnace and water heater.

Flooding Resources for Missourians include:

  • http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fl_after.shtm – is a link to FEMA-recommended steps that should be taken immediately after a flood.
  • http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.asp#cleanup – is a site maintained by the Center for Disease Control with helpful information on health/safety concerns that can result following a flood.
  • http://www.211helps.org/ – United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies. Information about local services, by zip code, is available online. Where 2-1-1 phone service is not available, dial 1-800-427-4626, or TTY 866-385-6525.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

  • Contact your local building inspections or planning office or county clerk’s office to get more information on local building requirements before repairing your structure. If you can’t find a local contact, call your state NFIP coordinator. Contact information can be found at www.floods.org/statepocs/stcoor.asp.

BE FLOODSMART: More severe weather could be on the way, so prepare today!

  • Stay informed. Monitor local weather forecasts, watches, and warnings.
  • Don’t drive through floodwater. Most deaths in floods occur when people try to drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.

To file a flood insurance claim or learn more about purchasing flood insurance to protect your property, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call 1-800-427-2419. 

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Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

See original:

Missouri Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damanged Homes and Businesses

Turn Around Don’t Drown®

Pick Ups and SUVs are No Protection from Rushing Flood Waters

PORTSMOUTH, N.H.–Each year, flooding causes more deaths than any other weather hazard. Most of these drownings could be prevented—if people better understood the force and power of rushing floodwater. Whether driving or walking, save your life, and the lives of your children and other family members or traveling companions. When you see flood waters ahead: Turn Around Don’t Drown®.

More than half of all flood-related drownings occur when vehicles are swept away because their drivers attempted to travel through flood water. Many drive around flood barriers because they mistakenly believe their 3,000 pound or more vehicle is so heavy it will stay in contact with the road surface. Think about that for a moment:  aircraft carriers weighing 97,000 tons float. Vehicles, including ships, float because of buoyancy.

Keep these facts in mind:

  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.

The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths occurs when people try to walk through or walk too close to flood waters. It may be hard to believe, but it’s true that as little as six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.

If you come to an area that is covered with flood water, you will not know the depth of the water or the condition of the ground under the water. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded area, Turn Around Don’t Drown®. This is true always but even more so at night, when your vision is limited.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown.®

For more information go to ready.gov/floods and tadd.weather.gov.

 

 

 

 

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Turn Around Don’t Drown®

Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Receives $1 Million to Rebuild Research Complex

NEW ORLEANS – The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently announced more than $1 million in recovery aid to build a new Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Fish Lab and Fish Lab Complex, which were destroyed during Hurricane Rita. 

The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 76,000 acres in Cameron and Vermilion parishes and is noted as one of the most biologically diverse wildlife areas in the nation. The Refuge was also home to a biological research complex, where staff and biologists studied the American alligator, fish, plants and waterfowl populations.

“The Grand Chenier complex plays an integral role in the pioneering research performed at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Through FEMA’s assistance, the state will be able to reverse the damage done by Hurricane Rita and build back this complex in a more resourceful manner.”  

Hurricane Rita’s storm surge, high winds and flooding destroyed the Refuge’s Grand Chenier biological research complex of buildings, owned by Louisiana Facility Planning and Control and operated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Rather than rebuild each facility back to its pre-disaster condition, the state decided to pursue a more efficient design, consolidating the buildings and moving them northwest of the original location. 

Six of the buildings destroyed by Rita—a fish lab, fish lab boat shed, chemical storage building, alligator incubator shed, alligator storage shed and freezer storage shed—will be consolidated into three new buildings. The final blueprint calls for a 5,460-square-foot fish lab and an alligator incubator shed, both elevated on pilings 13 feet above base flood elevation, as well as a boat shed. Funding for the consolidated structures also comes from an alligator pump house, trappers camp and airstrip, all of which will not be rebuilt.

To date, FEMA has obligated approximately $18.8 million in public assistance funding for Hurricane Rita-related recovery work at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. This figure includes the recent $1 million in funding.

Editors: For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/latro.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/femalro, blog.fema.gov, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.      

When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed.

The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Continue reading – 

Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Receives $1 Million to Rebuild Research Complex

Seek and Destroy Mold – The Spoiler – Fast

PURVIS, Miss. – As Mississippians clean up from the recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding, some will have to deal with mold before returning home. Mold can be a health hazard; it can also cause structural damage.

It’s important to recognize mold and to remove it safely before moving back into or repairing a residence.

Mold needs three things to spread: a food source (paper, wood, leaves etc.), moisture, and a place to grow. People can have severe reactions to mold. Those with asthma, allergies and other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold. People with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to infections caused by mold.

Mold also can cause structural damage. When wood gets wet and moldy and then dries, it can warp. Walls can crack and the building can weaken.

Quick action can minimize health risks and damage caused by mold – and stop its spread:

  • Open windows and doors and use fans to dry out the building.  If possible, use wet vacuums to remove water and use dehumidifiers in closed spaces.
  • Remove baseboards and soaked drywall to a foot above the watermark and discard. Drain walls by drilling holes or pulling non-porous paneling away from the studs. Check the inside of wallsfor mold.
  • Wash hard, non-absorbent surfaces (metal, glass, solid wood, plastic) with non-ammonia detergent and hot water. Scrub rough surfaces such as concrete. Disinfect all cleaned surfaces with a solution of water and bleach; rinse with water after 10 minutes.
  • Remove absorbent materials that have been wet for more than 48 hours and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. That includes carpets and padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, leather, wood, paper, food and clothing.
  • When in doubt throw it out!

If the area to be cleaned is larger than 10 square feet or if assistance is required to complete cleanup, consult a professional contractor.

The basic rule is: if you can see or smell mold, eliminate the excess moisture then, cleanup and remove the mold.

Be safe during cleanup:

  • Never mix bleach with ammonia; the fumes are toxic.
  • Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
  • Air out the working area by opening doors and windows and using fans.
  • Protect your lungs. Use an N-95 respiratory mask that can be purchased at most hardware stores for about $10.

For more information, see:

Mississippi Department of Health: http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/43,0,230,331.html

Centers for Disease Control: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/

Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov/mold/cleanupguidelines.html

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

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Seek and Destroy Mold – The Spoiler – Fast

More Federal Assistance to Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne Counties

PEARL, Miss. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that the four counties in the Mississippi federal disaster declaration – Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne – are eligible to receive additional disaster assistance in recovering from the storms and tornadoes of Feb. 10.

In an amendment to the original presidential declaration, Forrest and Lamar counties are now eligible to receive Public Assistance in Categories C through G: 

Category C – Roads and Bridges

  • Category D – Water Control Facilities,
  • Category E – Public Buildings and Equipment
  • Category F – Utilities,
  • Category G – Parks, Recreational Facilities, and other items.

The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments, tribal organizations and certain private nonprofit entities at least 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure. The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds.

Forrest and Lamar counties were already designated as eligible for assistance with debris removal and emergency protective measures (Public Assistance Categories A and B).

Marion and Wayne counties are now eligible to receive Public Assistance in all categories.

All four counties had been designated as eligible for Individual Assistance. FEMA’s individual assistance program helps eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

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More Federal Assistance to Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne Counties

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