Get Rid of Mold

LINCROFT, N.J.– Everywhere they look, survivors of Hurricane Sandy see reminders of the destruction – fallen trees, washed out roads, smashed windows. But the most persistent reminder may be the least visible: mold.

The microscopic fungus grows wherever moisture is present – in debris, inside walls, under floors, in attics. If not treated, mold can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and damage materials long after the storm.

The good news: mold, and its close relative mildew, can be controlled. Once a home is habitable, dry it out with fans, dehumidifiers and vacuums. Remove all wet items including carpeting, furniture, insulation, food products and bedding. Any material that has been wet more than 48 hours should be thrown out!

Unsaturated porous material, such as drywall, ceiling tiles, furniture that contains wood by-products and carpeting, and non-porous items – metal, glass, wood, plastic – can be treated in a few simple steps:

  • Wear gloves, a mask and eye protection. Make sure the area is well ventilated.
  • Wash items with non-ammonia based detergent and hot water and allow to dry.
  • Disinfect cleaned surfaces with a solution of a cup and a half of bleach in a gallon of hot water. Let the solution stay on the surface at least 10 minutes.
  • Rinse with clear water and allow to dry.
  • Monitor treated materials for several days. If mold develops, discard them. 

Severe mold infestations should be treated by qualified professionals. Survivors who have flood insurance should carefully document the damage with photos, receipts and samples from water-damaged goods. 

The primary concern is health. Survivors should take precautions, because mold affects the nervous system, causes headaches, mood changes, memory loss, respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion and skin, eye, nose and throat irritation. 

For more information about mold, its removal, its prevention and associated health problems, go

to the New Jersey Department of Health Mold website. See also the FEMA publication Mold & Mildew: Cleaning Up Your Flood-Damaged Home  and FEMA video,Eradicating Mold and Mildew.

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.

 

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Get Rid of Mold

Myth vs. Fact About Registering For FEMA Aid

TRENTON, N.J.– It’s important to know the difference between myth and fact in the aftermath of a hurricane. Survivors need accurate information on registering for FEMA aid and on what they may be eligible to receive. The best rule of thumb: if you’re unsure if you are eligible for assistance, go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs can call 1-800-462-7585, or 1-800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.

Here are some common misunderstandings:

  • MYTH: I’ve already cleaned up the damage to my home and had the repairs made. Isn’t it too late to register once the work is done?
    FACT: You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair costs, even if repairs are complete.
  • MYTH: I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners for home repairs.
    FACT: FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may provide assistance to help  renters who lost personal property or who were displaced.
  • MYTH: FEMA assistance could affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
    FACT: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income.
  • MYTH: My insurance agent told me I could not get help from FEMA because I have flood insurance.
    FACT: Even if you have flood insurance you should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured costs.
  • MYTH: I heard registration involves a lot of red tape and paperwork.
    FACT: There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. The process is very easy and normally takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
  • MYTH: I believe FEMA only makes loans so I didn’t apply for help because I don’t want a loan.
    FACT: FEMA only provides grants. The grants may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs. They don’t have to be repaid.

    The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. Some applicants may receive an SBA loan application after registering with FEMA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, but if they don’t complete the application they may not be considered for other federal grant programs.

  • MYTH: Since I received disaster assistance last year, I’m sure I can’t get it again this year.
    FACT: Assistance may be available if you suffered damages from a new federally declared disaster.
  • MYTH: My income is probably too high for me to qualify for disaster assistance.
    FACT: Income is not a consideration for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants may cover uninsured losses.
  • MYTH: I don’t want to apply for help because others had more damage than I had; they need the help more than me.
    FACT: FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors with their disaster related needs. 

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.

 

 

Follow this link:

Myth vs. Fact About Registering For FEMA Aid

Be Safe: Use Care When Returning To Flooded Areas

ATLANTA – Use caution when returning to flood-damaged homes or businesses. Structural damage can make a building unsafe; electricity and gas can pose a threat, and snakes, insects and other animals take up residence when flood water recedes.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend a careful and organized approach when returning.

Some suggestions are:

Turn off electricity
Before beginning to work, turn off the electricity. Unplug appliances and lamps, remove light bulbs and remove the cover plates of wall switches and outlets that got wet.

Get standing water out
Use a pump, mop, squeegee or wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove standing water from all buildings as soon as possible.

Hose it out
Shovel as much mud as possible out of the building, and then hose it out. Use an attachment that sprays soap to wash and rinse muddy walls, floors, furniture and other major items.

When in doubt, throw it out
Floodwater and mud may be contaminated with chemicals as varied as garden chemicals, a neighbor’s septic tank and cleaning products. Wallboard, mattresses, and carpeting will hold mud and contamination forever. Spoiled food, soaked cosmetics and medicine are health hazards. Get rid of them.

Clean safely

Flood damage causes dampness where mold, mildew and other organisms thrive. Mold may cause respiratory problems, so it is important to use proper procedures when cleaning. Use a combination of household bleach and soap or detergent to wash down walls, floors and other mold-contaminated areas.

Personal cleanliness

Wash your hands and other parts of the body that may come into contact with floodwater with soap and clean water or with hand sanitizer.

Other tips

  • Do not go near downed power lines. Call the utility company if you find downed power lines or suspect a gas leak.
  • Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker and turn off natural gas.
  • Look for cracks in the foundation, and sagging roofs.
  • If you have doubts about the safety of a building, contact a qualified inspector or structural engineer before going inside.
  • Check floors and ceilings for signs of sagging. Rain or flooding can soak plaster, drywall and flooring making it slippery with the potential to collapse.
  • Because they emit deadly carbon monoxide, do not use generators or other gasoline-powered machines indoors and use only camp stoves and charcoal grills outside for cooking.
  • Drain the basement no more than one foot per day to minimize further damage.
  • Floodwater promotes the growth of mold and mildew. Open windows and doors, and turn on fans to help dry out interiors.
  • Walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and personal items touched by flood water, should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
  • Unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have them checked by a professional before using
    them again.
  • Check with local power company before turning the power on.
  • Check with local authorities before using water; it could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by experts before drinking.
  • Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
  • Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of all repair and cleaning costs.
  • Watch out for broken bottles, nails and other hazards. Before beginning clean-up, get a
    tetanus shot.

To learn more about safely cleaning up: http://www.msema.org/documents/moldandmildew9-1.pdf

Learn what to do with displaced wildlife: http://www.msema.org/documents/wildlife9-1.pdf

###

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.

 

 

Link:  

Be Safe: Use Care When Returning To Flooded Areas

Preliminary Flood Maps In Kay County, OK Ready for Public View

Preliminary Flood Maps In Kay County, OK Ready for Public View 

Knowing flood risks allows for more informed decisions

Release Date: July 16, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-119

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Homeowners, renters and business owners in Kay County, Oklahoma are encouraged to look over newly released preliminary flood maps in order to determine their flood risks and make informed decisions.

Kay County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are presenting the preliminary maps to communities and unincorporated areas in order to help leaders and residents identify known flood risks and use that information to make decisions about buying flood insurance and how the community should move forward with any development.

“As we work together with our state and local partners to bring this critical information to the county, we ask that everyone review the maps to understand what flood risks are involved,” said Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson “The role of the community as an active partner in the flood mapping process is very important.”

To view the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) who may be located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather information about this relatively low-cost federally backed insurance. Visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in your area.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 17-Jul-2012 10:36:25

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Preliminary Flood Maps In Kay County, OK Ready for Public View

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Garfield County, Oklahoma

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Garfield County, Oklahoma 

Release Date: June 6, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-107

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Garfield County, Oklahoma homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Garfield County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, June 19 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to June 19 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Jun-2012 11:17:34

Read this article – 

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Garfield County, Oklahoma

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Palo Pinto County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Palo Pinto County, Texas 

Release Date: June 5, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-106

DENTON, Texas – Palo Pinto County, Texas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Palo Pinto County flood maps become effective on Thursday, Aug. 2 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to Aug. 2 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at blog.fema.gov.

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.

encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jun-2012 14:02:31

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Palo Pinto County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Kaufman County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Kaufman County, Texas 

Release Date: June 4, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-103

DENTON, Texas – Kaufman County, Texas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Kaufman County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, July 3 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to July 3 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, the R6 Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at blog.fema.gov.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jun-2012 13:02:29

Original link:

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Kaufman County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Tom Green County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Tom Green County, Texas 

Release Date: May 17, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-090

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Tom Green County, Texas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Tom Green County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, June 19 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to June 19 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 17-May-2012 11:49:00

Credit:  

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Tom Green County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Caldwell County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Caldwell County, Texas 

Release Date: May 17, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-089

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Caldwell County, Texas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Caldwell County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, June 19 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to June 19 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

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.

Last Modified: Thursday, 17-May-2012 11:46:55

Read more – 

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Caldwell County, Texas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Desha County, Arkansas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Desha County, Arkansas 

Release Date: May 16, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-086

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Desha County, Arkansas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Desha County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, June 19 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to June 19 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.    

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. 

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-May-2012 16:54:32

View original article – 

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Desha County, Arkansas

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