Premiere Flood Recovery Chat

On April 7, the eXtension Disaster Issues Community hosted its first chat session on flood recovery. During the session, participants posted their questions about drying out homes and other building structures; mold, mildew, what to keep, what to discard; state and federal resources for recovery; and other related items. Our disaster issues experts answered the questions via text chat. This session was sponsored by the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN). A summary of the session follows. Go to http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/p57654819/ to read the unedited transcript.

On hand to answer questions were Dr. Claudette Reichel,Dr. Kenneth Hellevang, Eric Evans, and Steve Cain .

Flood Recovery: Practical Steps and Useful Resources

Q&A from the April 7 Session

Mold and Moisture Questions

Do you have to know the type of mold before treatment or are most treatments for most common types of mold?

Claudette Reichel: Mold removal techniques and guidelines apply to all types of mold. All types are a potential health hazard and the same precautions are needed in remediation. In most cases, it is not needed to identify the type of mold because the next step is the same -- remediation and correcting

Are there any mold testing kits that are useful for homeowners to purchase?

Claudette Reichel: There are home test kits that can be used to identify the type of mold, but testing is rarely needed or useful. It is more important to spend available time and money on rapid and safe clean up and dry-out. A fact sheet on Mold Removal Guidelines for Your Flooded Home is available

I use the EPA's "Mold, Moisture & Your Home" (2002) publication when clientele request information. Is there a better publication or is this one considered most current?

Claudette Reichel: That publication may be more general than needed for flood recovery situations. Feel free to reproduce and use fact sheets we developed in response to Katrina's catastrophic floods; there are two. One is about mold removal DIY guidelines available online Mold Removal Guidelines for Your Flooded Home and the other fact sheet is Hiring a Mold Remediation Contractor.

I tried to go to both of your louisianafloods.org websites for Mold information, but get a message the website has changed its name, etc. HELP!

Claudette Reichel: Hmm. That page may be in transition. I suggest going to http: www.lsuagcenter.com and click on the home and family link, then the hazards link. Another straight shot to flood recovery info is at Flood Information

If someone has vinyl tiles and they believe there is mold underneath the tiles, what should be recommended? Should they tear the tiles up?

Ken Hellevang: With any type of flooding, typically the flooring must be removed to dry out the structural material. The area would need to be cleaned, dried and disinfected then new tiles installed.

I heard that there was some discussion about chlorine bleach solution usage for mold removal. What is your opinion on this?

Claudette Reichel: Bleach can pose a hazard in itself and has no residual effect so is not included in official remediation protocols. However, from a practical perspective, with proper precautions and understanding of its limitations, bleach can be an added measure to kill any remaining mold missed in cleaning. A disinfectant IS needed when there is sewage or other pathogens in the water -- which is likely in floodwater.

Some DOH do not like the bleach solution because of safety issue, and some scholar mentioned in last year's Priester Health Conference that bleach solution only bleach out mold and not actually remove mold.

Claudette Reichel: Dead mold has the same health hazards as live mold, it just won't reproduce when dead. So it is essential to REMOVE mold, not just kill it. Bleach can kill mold and bacteria, but is not a substitute for removal.

Ken Hellevang: Go to homemoisture.org for information and lessons on mold and home moisture issues.

Please expand further on the hazards of dead mold? And if you were to purchase a home that had been flooded, how would you know if the dead mold had been removed?

Ken Hellevang: Consensus today is that people can react to mold whether it's living or dead. Therefore it needs to be physically removed. If you were to purchase a home, you cannot test to determine if mold if present or not. Therefore examine for cleanup as much as possible.

Claudette Reichel: To add, the most common health effects are allergic reactions and trigger of asthma. Some may experience suppression of immune system and other effects. Effects are highly variable depending up level of exposure, duration and sensitivity of the individual.

How do you detect mold behind the wall?

Claudette Reichel: If an insulated wall flooded, it must be opened to remove the wet insulation. In un-insulated walls, assume anything that stayed damp for longer than a few days is likely to have some mold growth.

What is your opinion of the following recipe for cleaning away mold? Mix a solution of hot water (five gallons) with two cups of borax laundry booster. Stir this until the borax is dissolved and then add one pint of isopropyl "rubbing" alcohol. A person could run this solution through a pressure washer very easily and there is no need to worry about toxicity or what it will do to nearby plants and building materials. The benefits are that you don't have to rinse and the residual borax left behind is a potent fungicide that will not harm pets or children. Some people have mentioned smelling the alcohol, but this is necessary as an antiseptic and drying agent. The alcohol smell should dissipate quickly, especially when outdoors.

Claudette Reichel: That is a good solution to use AFTER removing the mold by replacing porous moldy materials or cleaning hard surfaces. The alcohol will disinfect and kill residual mold without being corrosive to metals like bleach but is more expensive. The borax or any borate treatment is a great post-clean up application to deter re-growth during dry-out and to help prevent termite damage and decay.

I know Louisiana has suffered long with Katrina, how is the mold situation there at this point?

Claudette Reichel: New Orleans still has many homes that have yet to be cleaned and restored -- many may be abandoned. Many have gutted their homes and still await their recovery grants from the "Road Home" disaster assistance program.

When you get mildew in the grout of a shower tile grout, what is the best treatment - replacement of the grouting?

Ken Hellevang: If this is just mold in the shower rather than a flood situation, cleaning with a chlorine bleach solution and scrubbing with a brush should remove the mold since it's normally just on the surface. If that doesn't work, the grout will have to be replaced.

Are there tax credits for expenses to repair a mold situation that may be dangerous?

Claudette Reichel: We are not aware of tax credits for mold per se, other than standard IRS rules regarding deductions for damages. However, flood insurance claims can cover mold remediation expenses. Most home owners’ insurance policies have mold exclusions and may cover cost of repairing water damages but not mold remediation in itself.

What types of building materials would you recommend automatically throwing out after flooding, regardless of whether it is flooded with potable water and the duration of dampness? For example, should fiberglass battes, carpet pad, wall paper, acoustic ceiling tile be thrown out regardless of the type of water and duration wet? Any other examples?

Ken Hellevang: All flood water is considered contaminated water. The following building materials should be discarded: carpet pad, wallpaper, acoustic tile, and other porous materials.

Should a home owner expect higher waste disposal costs in dealing with these contaminated materials?

Steven Cain: Typically no if it is declared. If there’s a declaration there are funds to help with this. And often states waive these fees.

Is there any guidance available regarding the percent moisture content prior to rebuilding?

Ken Hellevang: Wood moisture content should be at 15% or less. Be sure to use a moisture meter to check; don't just guess.

Is there any guidance available regarding the percent moisture content prior to rebuilding?

Claudette Reichel: Wood moisture content should be at 15% or less. Be sure to use a moisture meter to check; don't just guess. In addition, it is very important to remove ALL wet insulation. When restoring, make sure the interior wall surface is "permeable", meaning do NOT use vinyl wallpaper.

Where can you purchase a moisture meter?

Ken Hellevang: Start by looking online for companies. Also check with your local professional supply stores. Some construction companies or home inspectors have moisture meters. Use the meter according to manufacturer's guidelines.

For moisture meters I found some good buys on Amazon.com. Two retail sources for moisture meters are: forestrysuppliers.com and professionalequipment.com

When flood happens, the air must be humid for long time, then what would be the proper dry-out solution?

Ken Hellevang: If electricity is available, fans greatly increase the evaporation rate if the air the fan is moving is dry. Fans must be combined with a method of removing moisture from the air, such as some type of dehumidification or ventilation air exchange pulling in warm, dry exterior air and exhausting damp inside air. Electric space heaters can provide heat, but large heaters are required to warm the air enough to efficiently dry. Fuel fired heaters produce large amounts of moisture, so they are of limited value unless the heaters are vented to the outdoors. Burning a gallon of kerosene produces about a gallon of moisture. (Professional equipment includes refrigerant and desiccant dryers.) Learn more by reading Drying Out .

It seems like we are always trying to regulate the moisture content of our homes - dehumidifiers and humidifiers used at different times of the year; are these recommended for use in most places?

Claudette Reichel: The best recommendation is to maintain indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60% -- the ideal.

Is there a mold probe instrument that can be used to detect mold in drywall?

Ken Hellevang: Unfortunately there are no mold meters or tests -- only for moisture.

Claudette Reichel: If mold has been growing on drywall for some time, assume it is eating the paper and replace it. If it is strictly on the surface for a short time, it may be cleanable.

If you decide to pay for the services of a company to do the clean-up, how do you go about checking their legitimacy if you have not had a flood in the area for some time?

Claudette Reichel: Some states require that mold remediation contractors be licensed or registered and may require a level of training. Where that is not the case, it is important to determine what types of training or certification the firm has completed. Ask for details about their procedures and type of equipment to be used. Compare it to the guidelines on Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings available online at http://www.epa.gov/mold . The type of precautions should include and exceed that on the DIY guidelines cited in the prior mold question.

When a consumer decides to get any professional help for the large-area mold in his/her home, what would be the reliable source to find professionals around the consumer? Is there any type of certification for those professionals?

Ken Hellevang: There is no national certification for mold remediation, but check with your local health department or Extension office. Verify that they have received specific mold remediation training.

What if the consumer cannot find help from DOH or Extension office? What would be the next step to find professionals?

Claudette Reichel: There are some professional organizations that provide training and lists of firms that completed their certification programs, such as iaqa.org and the Water Loss Institute (forgot URL). Also see the publication Hiring a Mold Remediation Contractor

What should a bank do if their safety deposit boxes were flooded?

Steven Cain and Eric Evans: This will most likely be an insurance matter. They should act quickly to assess the damage and record it with video. They should notify the box owners as quickly as possible. You can find cleaning information on the EDEN site . The bank can hire restoration companies.

Should you enclose your documents inside a ziploc bag inside the safe deposit box?

Eric Evans: You can if you wish. The chances of a bank flooding are pretty slim, but if you are concerned, put them in plastic bags. Yu may want to reconsider any bank in a flood zone.

I still feel inclined to use a bank in a flood zone, but will ask if there is a minor mold problem, what is the most recommended chemical for elimination?

Eric Evans: We still recommend a bleach solution for general mold clean up. The bank can hire a restoration company to clean and preserve documents.

Claudette Reichel: To add, we recommend non-phosphate cleaners to remove mold and clean. Then, speeding the dry out is key to prevent re-growth.

Do people need to be as vigilant in cleaning other buildings as their home with flooding--pole barns, storage units, dog houses, etc?

Ken Hellevang: Each person will need to make their own decision as to cleanup. Livestock buildings will not require the same level of care as human buildings. Materials are still contaminated with floodwaters containing pollutants, such as chemicals, bacteria, etc. Therefore general cleaning is still recommended.

Local and Federal Resource Questions

What type of assistance is available to me after a flood?

Steve Cain: When a flood hits, some short-term shelters are set up that provide assistance. Contact your local American Red Cross. If your state is declared a federal disaster there will be some federal assistance. Contact 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.Also, long-term assistance may be available from National VOAD

Are there any special resources for seniors?

Steven Cain: That’s a good question. Federal resources don’t discriminate by age or income. Certain volunteer groups help with elderly. AARP and Catholic Charities are two good resources.

What resources are provided by the federal government, if any, to citizens that discover a problem beyond their ability to pay?

Eric Evans: Federal assistance, to be frank, can be limited. FEMA's grants and programs usually don't cover all needs. We encourage all affected to register with FEMA as soon as the declaration has been made. Other types of assistance are offered through the VOAD organizations. If a person finds other damages they can attempt to go back to FEMA and back to VOAD agencies who may have already offered help. Many counties create local long term recovery committees which take those unmet needs and manage them locally.

What printed materials does the federal government have available for states to inform the public?

Steven Cain: That’s a good question. Federal resources don’t discriminate by age or income. Certain volunteer groups help with elderly. AARP and Catholic Charities are two good resources. There are several resources. FEMA, American Red Cross, NOAA, and EDEN. Do you have specific printed publications that you are looking for?

Our County Emergency Management office tried to establish a separate fund for these type of unmet needs by Salvation Army, Red Cross and United Way did not want another competing fund in the community. Do you know of communities that were successful in establishing separate funds for unmet needs?

Eric Evans: Typically, local unmet needs committees put donated funds into an account held by a non-profit partner at the local level. In some cases United Way does this. We discourage local governments from doing this because of the government “strings” attached to money’s collected. These committees need to be extremely flexible and not tied necessarily to government.

What important papers are needed for recovery from a flood; where and how should they be kept for safety?

Ken Hellevang: Prior to any disaster, have a complete home inventory with photos and list on CD. Keep them as part of your family disaster plan and with other important papers in a safety deposit box away from your house. For more information, visit our eXtension disaster pages.

I already received help from American Red Cross. Can I still receive help from FEMA?

Steven Cain: Yes, if there is a presidential declaration for individual assistance. FEMA coordinates a number of programs to help disaster victims. These programs are different from the emergency food, clothing and shelter initially provided by the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and other voluntary agencies. Registration with the Red Cross or other voluntary agencies is not the same as applying with FEMA. For federal and state disaster assistance, you must apply by calling the special toll-free application number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

What things constitute a condemned home status and who is usually in charge of doing this?

Steven Cain: That is a county by county or city by city question. Also, related to that is whether or not you can rebuild after the flood due to zoning. These are all local issues and one should contact local officials for an answer.

I'm self-employed and out of work because of the disaster. Do I qualify for unemployment benefits?

Steven Cain: Yes if the disaster is a presidentially declared. Disaster Unemployment Assistance, funded by FEMA provides benefits for workers who would not normally qualify for unemployment compensation, including farmers, farm workers and those who are self-employed. Anyone interested in filing for disaster unemployment assistance should visit the nearest employment services office.

Are only low income residences qualified for disaster assistance?

Steven Cain: No. Federal and state disaster assistance programs may be available to those who suffered damage, regardless of income. The programs are not "welfare." The kinds of help provided depend on the applicant's circumstances and unmet disaster-related needs. Keep in mind the assistance will be a loan first and a grant second. In some cases, volunteer groups will try to fill needs for people with low incomes where federal resources were not available or didn’t fill all the need.

Our Panel of Experts

Claudette Reichel Dr. Claudette H. Reichel is Professor and Extension Housing Specialist with Louisiana State University AgCenter. She spearheaded and chairs LaHouse Resource Center, a sustainable housing showcase of solutions and outreach program for the gulf coast region – with a goal of “shaping the future” with durable, healthy, resource-efficient, convenient and practical homes. LaHouse was created with broad participation from industry and public agencies.

Since 1981, Dr. Reichel has developed numerous educational programs, outreach delivery systems and materials relating to housing and building science, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, hazard resistance, mold remediation, home buyer education, and others. She authored more than 100 Extension publications, including the Building Your High Performance Home – Gulf Region Homeowners Guide book. She has received ten national and state level awards for program excellence, was a featured speaker at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C., and has presented at numerous national and regional events.

Kenneth Hellevang Ken Hellevang has a Ph.D. in engineering and is a registered professional engineer. He has obtained the academic rank of Professor in the Colleges of Engineering and Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources at North Dakota State University. He provides education and technical assistance related to moisture problems in buildings, including training for building and health professionals. He has provided education and assistance related to flooded buildings during several flood events such as the 1997 Red River Valley flooding, 2001 Fargo Moorhead flood, and the flooding in Northern Minnesota in the mid-90s. He provides leadership for the extension.org flood material.

Eric Evans Eric Evans has been on faculty at the University of Missouri Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute since 2001. As the State Extension Emergency Management Specialist, he plans, schedules, and conducts disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response and recovery educational programs statewide. Other responsibilities include: training needs assessment and curriculum development; conduct courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences; recruit, select, and train part-time instructional staff; and provide technical assistance to emergency service organizations at all levels of government and the private sector.

Shortly after joining the University, Evans was asked to create a program to train local extension faculty to prepare the university system to be ready for a crisis/disaster event and to be able to assist affected local jurisdictions and families impacted by the event. Since its inception, the Community Emergency Management program has responded and supported disaster recovery efforts 10 separate times and has received several state and national awards.

Steve Cain Steve Cain, based at Purdue University, is the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) Homeland Security Project Director. He received the USDA Superior Service award for educational response to the drought of 1988 (team award). In 2001, the Monterey Institute's Center for Nonproliferation Studies Website selected his backgrounder on Agroterrorism as a resource. In 2002, he was named the national project leader for the EDEN Homeland Security project. In 2003, Cain and other EDEN leaders received the USDA Group Honor Award for Excellence. In 2005 he was selected as an agroterrorism consultant to the National Academies of Science. In 2005 and 2006, Cain developed business preparedness courses with the Department of Homeland Security.

He has published thousands of articles nationally and locally. In the 1970's, Cain was an agricultural journalist and managed the world's largest outdoor farm show, the Farm Progress Show. From 1989 to 2003, he was a contributing writer to World Book's Science Yearbook. In 1997 and 1998, he hosted the nationally-televised Science and Technology Update for Direct TV's Channel Earth. Also the 1990's, Cain was a volunteer, communication consultant in Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Russia and Uganda.