In Brockton MA, thousands of people are still struggling to recover from the floods that ravaged the area last year. The Southeastern Massachusetts Long Term Recover Group, a local coalition specializing in recovery efforts such as this, has already handled more than 300 flood related cases since the federally declared disaster last year, with hundreds more expected before it is all over.
One of the largest post flood problems for many of the houses damaged has been the growth of mold. Many homes have had mold problems for several months following the flooding. The coalition is planning a “Day Of Caring” in which volunteers will help 15 local families replace water damaged drywall, primarily in their basements, where much of the mold infestation may be located.
The Southeastern Massachusetts Long-Term Recovery Group is a coalition dedicated to flood relief, including Self Help Inc., faith-based groups, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Massachusetts Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and students from Bridgewater State University and Massasoit Community College are also involved in the effort.
Such a widespread problem vividly illustrates the dangers of mold following water damage. Mold is the single most dangerous long term consequence of water damage. It can appear in as little as 48 hours following water damage (sooner if the water damage is sewage based), spread rapidly, and cause all kinds of health problems ranging from mild allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, to more severe neurological disorders such as lung disease and even death. Deaths related to mold are rare but certainly possible if the exposure to high concentrations of mold is severe enough.
Mold can also cause damage to your home or business as it tends to eat away at the surface it is growing on. Homes, businesses, and even entire city blocks have been condemned and torn down as a direct result of untreated mold. Smaller growths may be effectively remediated by homeowners, but larger growths should be avoided and treatment provided by a trained, licensed, mold remediation professional.
Mold remediation is more than just getting rid of the mold infestation. It involved treating the affected area to make sure there is not an environment that would allow the mold opportunity to return. This involves the removal of the growth, disinfection of the area, as well as increasing and improving the lighting and ventilation in order to prevent conditions that make mold growth possible. Remember that all that is required for mold growth is adequate moisture, but darkness may also play a role.
Many people test for mold in their homes when in most cases it isn’t necessary. Mold has a distinct appearance as a fuzzy, greenish-black growth on walls or pipes, accompanied by a noxious smell. If a home or business owner suspects that they have mold, in all likelihood, they do.
You want quality water damage and mold removal service. Unfortunately, all mold removal companies are not created equal, and choosing the wrong one will not only fail to solve the problem, but may actually make it worse. This could have the adverse effect of doubling or even tripling your repair bills before it is all over.
You need to choose a company that has been certified by an industry leader, such as the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning, And Restoration Certification (IICRC) or the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). Doing so will provide a sense of security for harried homeowners that they are getting quality, efficient service for all of their water damage and mold remediation needs.
Your local, IICRC certified water damage restoration company can handle all of your water damage or mold remediation needs. They are available 24/7, with a full staff of trained professionals, as well as a complete range of services from water extraction to carpet drying to mold removal to structural repair. They can also work alongside your insurance company to ensure that everything runs smoothly and is properly compensated for.
For all of your water restoration and mold problems, call today for a free estimate or phone consultation.
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