FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FEMA has one post-disaster mitigation grant program to assist communities in . The information in these guidelines is intended only as a summary of basic procedures and is not intended, nor should it be used, as a detailed guide to mold remediation. The remediation manager should rely on professional judgment and experience to adapt the guidelines to particular situations. It is important to be able to discuss basic information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with anyone concerned about flooding. More protective respirators may have to be selected and used if toxic contaminants such as asbestos or lead are encountered during remediation. A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean- up, drying, and/or removal of water-damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth. Information on and standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industry. River and stream flooding may be triggered by heavy rains, melting snows, and storm surge. To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area, using outside air if possible, and exhaust the air to the outdoors. D. If you suspect that the HVAC system is contaminated with mold, or if mold is present near the intake to the system, contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), or consult EPA's guide, "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?" If left unchecked, mold can eventually cause structural damage to a wood framed building, weakening floors and walls as it feeds on moist wooden structural members. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with the respect to wood-framed buildings, affecting the structural integrity of the buildings. Looking for condensation and wet spots. In addition, sampling and analysis should follow any other methods recommended by either OSHA, NIOSH, EPA, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, or other recognized professional guidelines. Indoor environmental quality training center giving courses in building moisture and biocontamination, and managing and operating facilities for good IAQ. Owners can have their buildings moved by professionals to a safer place outside the Special Flood Hazard Area. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. You may take a test on the material covered in this course to demonstrate that you have learned the information. Mold slide 1 of 2 The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control If mold is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. Substantial Improvement is defined as improvement with a cost that is equal to or greater than half of the market value of a structure before the improvement. Referrals to physicians who have experience with environmental exposures. The goal of this course is to enable you to select the essential hazard mitigation information to communicate to members of the public following a flood event. People who are sensitive to mold may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation. A quick guide to the dangers of mold in your home. Topics in this lesson include: At the end of this lesson you will be able to: There are two reasons why Hazard Mitigation staff talk to the public about the National Flood Insurance Program: First, the NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in communities that participate in the NFIP. This lesson describes mitigation options and the circumstances under which each is used. This mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely. A. The rise in water is the storm surge. Communities generally engage in acquisition or buyout" projects when a grant has been awarded to provide funding. 1 2 Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Their website is located at www.nahb.org. The contained area and decontamination room should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mopped with a detergent solution and be visibly clean prior to the removal of isolation barriers. However, it does reduce the immediate risk of illness and additional damage from the mold conditions created by the flooding. What you say and do makes a real difference in peoples lives! Information on worker safety and health, compliance assistance, laws and regulations, cooperative programs, state programs, statistics, and newsroom. As specified by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 individuals who use respirators must be properly trained, have medical clearance, and be properly fit tested before they begin using a respirator. Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours? Simply scan the QR codes to access the resources. Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group . Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, Indoor Environments Division 2001. What mold publications should Hazard Mitigation staff distribute? HVAC equipment, such as furnaces and hot water heaters, can be damaged extensively if inundated by flood waters. River and stream flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash flooding in minutes. Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent excessive moisture in buildings. Documented quality control in the laboratories used for analysis of the bulk, surface, and other air samples is necessary. Identify mitigation measures that can meet local floodplain management requirements for residences, including elevating and relocating structures, and property acquisition. What precautions should be taken when cleaning up mold? An important reference with guidelines for immuno-compromised individuals can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. When in doubt, caution is advised. Learn more about mold and moisture control. Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). Cleaning and drying wet or damp spots as soon as possible, but no more than 48 hours after discovery. Symptoms other than allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold in the indoor environment. When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. The primary function of personal protective equipment is to prevent the inhalation and ingestion of mold and mold spores and to avoid mold contact with the skin or eyes. A community can permanently eliminate the risk of flood damage to buildings in a floodplain by purchasing the properties from their owners and removing the structures. Preventive Maintenance Preventing mold growth in occupied areas The key to mold prevention is moisture control. What happens once a loss claim has been reported, Explain the risk and the mitigation actions clearly and at a level of detail appropriate to the listener, Refer to publications/websites that reinforce or provide additional information about rebuilding or repairing to reduce future risk of damages, Communicating basic information to the public about flood-related mold issues, FEMA publications to promote flood mitigation, FEMA-approved online resources available for flood mitigation, Appropriate actions to take when advising the public. Mold can cause structural damage to buildings the longer it grows the more damage it can cause. Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach Group. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use since mold and mold spores may adhere to equipment surfaces. Hazard Mitigation staff have a variety of FEMA resources available to help educate the public on flood mitigation techniques. For additional information on air sampling, refer to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' document, "Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control." Identify floodproofing measures including the difference between wet and dry floodproofing. Remove filters in a manner that minimizes the reentry of mold and other toxic substances into the workplace. It also requires periodic maintenance to remain effective. They also can be used to monitor the progress of drying damaged materials. Devastating floods occur throughout the United States every year. Decisions about the type of advice to provide to individuals dealing with mold are the responsibility of the State Health Department. Disposable PPE should be discarded after it is used. Second, each community participating in the program has adopted a floodplain management ordinance, which reflects the flood risk information provided in the FEMA flood maps. This Guide is also available in HTML. C. The State Health Department . Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to wear appropriate PPE while performing this task. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as runny nose and red eyes. Molds typically consist of a network of threadlike filaments that infiltrate the surface on which the mold is growing. Floodplain management ordinances require that when a structure in the floodplain has Substantial Damage or undergoes Substantial Improvement, the owner must bring the structure into compliance with the most current standards when repairing or rebuilding. This type of floodproofing is often used to protect non-residential structures, water supplies, and sewage systems. ONLY the mold publications that have been provided by the American Red Cross B. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (, Respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator) is recommended. This is because when things remain wet for more than two days, they usually get moldy. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program explains the NFIP, including coverage, claims, flood maps, and FEMAs repetitive loss strategy. Please note that these are guidelines; some professionals may prefer other remediation methods, and certain circumstances may require different approaches or variations on the approaches described below. They digest whatever they land on in order to survive. Floods are not all alike. There are various types of equipment useful in mold assessment and remediation. Insurance can be purchased for structures, contents, or both. It can be accessed from the internet via the Homeland Security Information Network using any computer or from the intranet using a FEMA computer. The effects of flooding can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or extensive, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. The glove material should be selected based on the type of substance/ chemical being handled. Preventing Occupational Respiratory Disease from Exposures Caused by Dampness in Office Buildings, Schools, and Other Nonindustrial Buildings, WHOGuidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould (PDF), World Health Organization, 2009, 2004 Institute of Medicine Report, Damp Indoor Spaces and Health, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Resources for Public Health Professionals. People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms. Are building materials or furnishings visibly moisture damaged? The outside of the bags should be cleaned with a damp cloth and a detergent solution or HEPA vacuumed in the decontamination chamber prior to their transport to uncontaminated areas of the building. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers must comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. If a structures lowest level has a floor drain that empties to the exterior of the building, installing a floating floor-drain plug can also prevent flood waters from backing up the drain pipe and entering the structure. Such persons should receive training on proper clean-up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. Track your progress by looking at the Progress bar at the top right of each screen. Performing regularly scheduled building/ HVAC inspections and maintenance, including filter changes. Molds are microscopic organisms found everywhere in the environment, indoors and outdoors. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded because molds can infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices. This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth. This ordinance regulates new development in what the NFIP calls Special Flood Hazard Areas, or floodplains. Note: If the Next button is dimmed, you must complete an activity before you can proceed in the lesson. ft. or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas on walls. Molds gradually damage building materials and furnishings. A full face piece respirator provides both respiratory and eye protection. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended. A humidistat is a control device that can be connected to an HVAC system and adjusted so that if the humidity level rises above a set point, the HVAC system will automatically turn on and reduce the humidity below the established point. These services are not routinely available from commercial laboratories. This completes the final lesson in this course. However, sampling results can be used as a guide to determine the extent of an infestation and the effectiveness of the cleanup. In this lesson you learned about: Future risks associated with the hazard event that resulted in the disaster declaration, Mitigation measures available to improve personal safety and reduce or eliminate the risk of future damages to structures and personal property, Identify the different types of flooding that occur in the United States, Recognize information about the NFIP to share with the general public, List the importance of directing individuals to local building officials, engineers, and other specialists before starting repairs, Match FEMA information, publications, and websites that support the mitigation recommendationsto specific audiences, How to receive credit for this independent study course. Guidance Introduction Mold Prevention Investigating, Evaluating & Remediating Moisture & Mold Problems Table 1: Water Damage - Cleanup and Mold Prevention Table 2: Mold Remediation Guidelines Checklist for Mold Remediation Resources List Appendix A: Glossary, References, Acknowledgements Appendix B: Introduction to Molds REMEMBER YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ENTIRE COURSE TO RECEIVE CREDIT. The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. Molds can cause adverse effects by producing allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions). It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in this fashion to minimize the dispersion of mold spores. Dry floodproofing is any measure to make a structure watertight below the level that needs flood protection to prevent floodwaters from entering. Relocation is another flood mitigation measure that will comply with most community floodplain ordinances. Information on pesticides/antimicrobial chemicals, including safety and disposal information. You must have identified and completely corrected the source of the water or moisture problem. Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 months old), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune-suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies). In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat in certain individuals. The advice of a medical professional should always be sought if there are any emerging health issues. Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing. Testing for mold is expensive, and there should be a clear reason for doing so. For more detailed information, consult a health professional or your state or local health department. A filter with a minimum efficiency of 50 to 60% or a rating of MERV 8, as determined by Test Standard 52.2 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, may be appropriate. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals with specific experience in designing mold-sampling protocols, sampling methods for microbial contaminants, and interpretation of results. The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied. The plan should cover the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). ft.) - e.g., individual wallboard panels. Click on the "Help" button to review guidance and troubleshooting advice regarding navigating through the course. Sampling, if conducted, should show that the level and types of mold and mold spores inside the building are similar to those found outside. Musty or earthy odors may indicate mold. Outdoor utilities such as heat pumps or air conditioners can be protected by placing them on an elevated platform above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Losing these tanks results in major costs and inconvenience to their owners. Flood insurance is a mitigation measure that protects policy holders from the financial risks of flooding. When the lowest floor of a flood-prone structure is raised to or above BFE, it will meet the minimum ordinance standards required by the NFIP for structures located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Do not use fungicides developed for outdoor use in any indoor application, as they can be extremely toxic to animals and humans in an enclosed environment. Surfaces in the work area and areas directly adjacent that could become contaminated should be covered with a secured plastic sheet(s) before remediation to contain dust/ debris and prevent further contamination. Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. Dry floodproofing may NOT be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residential structure into compliance with the communitys floodplain ordinance. People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. The remediation plan should include steps to permanently correct the water or moisture problem. It serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities. Information on engineering issues and indoor air quality. Because mold is common in flooded communities, some basic facts about mold that you can share with the public are: Removing mold and mold conditions does not protect a building from mold in future hazard events. It is recommended that personnel be trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator). Moisture meters can be used on materials such as carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and concrete. Regular building maintenance staff can conduct this level of remediation. Mold removal should be complete. This finding may convince the investigators that the mold is growing within, and being disseminated by, the HVAC system. Measures to mitigate flood damage include: Floodproofing describes mitigation measures that decrease the risk of flood damage in structures. Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with: Full face piece respirators with HEPA cartridges; Disposable protective clothing covering entire body including both head and shoes; and. Has the building been recently remodeled or has the building use changed? Make sure anyone applying a biocide is properly licensed where required. Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. In this lesson you learned about the mitigation methods for flooding that included: Lesson 5: Official Information and Resources. For more information about the other courses, refer to the EMI website at http://training.fema.gov. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)indicate these anticipated levels, called Base Flood Elevations (BFE). Consequently, appropriate personal protective clothing (i.e., reusable or disposable) is recommended to minimize cross-contamination between work areas and clean areas, to prevent the transfer and spread of mold and other contaminants to street clothing, and to eliminate skin contact with mold and potential chemical exposures. Wet vacuums should be used only on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoor environment if insufficient liquid is present. Mold Molds are simple, microscopic organisms that can grow virtually anywhere, both in homes and outdoors. Other floods develop very quickly. This will prevent unnecessary contamination of food, beverage, cosmetics, and tobacco products by mold and other harmful substances within the work area. Examples of fungicides include hexachlorobenzene, organomercurials, pentachlorophenol, phthalimides, and dithiocarbamates. Several federal agencies also publish information about mold, including: Centers for Disease Control Environmental Protection Agency FEMA U.S. Public Health Service Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold also can damage materials in your home. Tips for Filing Your Insurance Claim provides advice on: There are several websites that contain flood mitigation information. As a member of FEMAs Hazard Mitigation disaster workforce, you are expected to be able to explainto the public: This independent study course is part of a series of five, intended for the Hazard Mitigation disaster workforce. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not appropriate in mold remediation. Hurricanes, tsunamis, and unusually high tides can cause coastal flooding. In addition, before deciding to relocate occupants, one should also evaluate the remediator's ability to contain/minimize possible aerosolization of mold spores given their expertise and the physical parameters of the workspace. FEMA Publications Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. How do I prevent mold from endangering my family? The work area and surrounding areas should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution. Learn about mold growth indoors, including topics like basic information about indoor mold growth, how mold can affect health and mold testing. Barriers may not be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residence into compliance with a communitys floodplain management ordinances or laws. Warning: Repeatedly pressing Tab beyond the number of selections on the screen may cause the keyboard to lock up. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. If you choose to hire outside assistance to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience with mold remediation. When using fans, take care not to extend the zone of contamination by distributing mold spores to a previously unaffected area. The publication also provides information on financial assistance for mitigation retrofitting. Improper maintenance and design of building heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as insufficient cooling capacity for an air conditioning system, can result in elevated humidity levels in a building. These guidelines are based on the size of the area impacted by mold contamination. Study Resources . Information on indoor comfort products and services. Inhalation is the exposure of most concern to cleanup workers. Mold Cleanup. These materials can usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. The purpose of mold remediation is to correct the moisture problem and to remove moldy and contaminated materials to prevent human exposure and further damage to building materials and furnishings. Industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals with experience performing microbial investigations and/or mold remediation should be consulted prior to remediation activities to provide oversight for the project. This bulletin is directed primarily at building managers, custodians, and others responsible for building maintenance, but may also be used as a basic reference for those involved in mold remediation. Consult an experienced mold remediator for more information. Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. Well contamination, sewer line back up, and mold may occur in any type of flooding. . Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in a sealed impermeable plastic bag. Method 4: Discard Remove Damaged Materials and Seal in Plastic Bags Building materials and furnishings that are contaminated with mold growth and are not salvageable should be double-bagged using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc., known as FLASH, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation across a variety of natural hazards, including floods.
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