Extension News: July 2006 Archives

The disastrous floods of May have receded and most New Hampshire residents have cleaned up and returned to their flood-damaged homes.

But more than 300 New Hampshire families are waiting for help cleaning and sanitizing their homes to make them safe enough to live in. Some displaced families are living in cars and shelters.
 
“With the arrival of summer heat and humidity, we need to move fast to get ahead of the growth of mildew and other molds that can cause health problems for residents,” says Carole Totzkay-Sitar, a health educator with the Bureau of Emergency Management. “State health and safety officials need 200 volunteers to take the training and team up with experienced mold-mitigation teams already on the job.”

Molds threaten human health
“Families in Rockingham, Strafford, Merrimack, Hillsborough, Belknap, and Carroll Counties need immediate help,” Totzkay-Sitar says. “Failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks to the people who live there. Microorganisms that thrive in areas that are wet, damp, or retain water can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage household materials long after the floodwaters recede.”

“Mud Out” volunteer training
To boost volunteer recruitment, state health and emergency management officials, working through Volunteer NH!, have joined forces with southern New Hampshire church groups who’ve had experience organizing volunteers to go into homes to remove damaged contents, clean, and sanitize flooded premises. They plan to offer at least one “Mud Out” volunteer training in July, which will cover proper clothing, tools, safety, and health issues related to molds. All Mud Out volunteers will be teamed with an experienced “mudder.”

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and healthy. They will need to sign a liability waiver, and provide their own protective equipment. For more information about becoming a Mud Out volunteer, call 1-800-780-8058.

Flood-damaged home? Take action now!
State officials encourage any resident whose home was flooded not to wait for FEMA funds, insurance payouts, or volunteer helpers before taking action to assess health and safety threats in their homes. If you have concerns about the health risks of molds, contact your family health care provider. For information about conducting a mold assessment or about mold removal, call Rhonda Martin at the Department of Environmental Services at 271-3911.

Links to written information about mold in homes:

• Mold in Your Home? (NH Department of Environmental Services flyer)
  
• NH Air Resources fact sheet
  
• A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home (US Environmental Protection Agency)