Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Warns of Potential for Mold Following the Floods

MoldUp until recently, the storm drains could not keep up with the amount of rain coming down which led to regional flooding. Though most public roadways are now clear of water, many driveways, basements and crawl spaces are still experiencing flooding and overall wetness.

The county is offering sand bags to assist with personal problems that resulted from the recent weather. Residents must bring their own shovel to 9515 King Road in Plymouth in order to obtain the sand.

The main concern following such intense flooding is the possibility of mold and mildew infecting your home. Marshall County EMA Director Clyde Avery warned that mold and mildew can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours following exposure to water and will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture. Even as skies clear and temperatures rise, the humidity in the air can actually make things worse. For this reason, removing the moisture from your home as soon as possible is incredibly important.

In order to prevent mold from growing, open the house up to fresh air, as long as the humidity outside is less than the humidity inside, and use fans, wet/dry vacuums and dehumidifiers to reduce moisture. However if mold has already started to grow, do not use fans because it will actually spread the spores around and make it harder to get rid of in the long run.

For more tips about how to reduce the likelihood of mold in your home or how to remove it once you’ve spotted an outbreak visit the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Facebook page or call the agency at 574-936-3740.