Ike Took a Hike, Now What?

The large Category 2 Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston, Texas at around 2:10 am Saturday morning. Hurricane Ike is the largest hurricane since Katrina to affect the United States. With winds of 110 mph, storm surges between 9-14 feet and down pouring rain, much of the Texas coastline is now under water.

With hurricane Ike gone, it is time for us to pick up the pieces. Flood waters most often contain contaminates such as E. coli, Salmonella, other infectious organisms, agricultural and/or industrial chemicals. These contaminates can cause serious health related issues. It is important to protect both yourself and your loved ones from any possible contamination.

To protect yourself the CDC suggests that you first and foremost wash your hands with soap and clear running water often. It is also important to make sure you water is safe. You should assume your water is unsafe until your local authorities report otherwise. If your water is unsafe, you need to either use bottled water or boil your water to sterilize any possible contaminates. Wearing protective clothing when working around any flooded area or debris will also help. Standing water will also attract insects and mosquitoes. Wearing long sleeves and/or insect repellant with help to prevent insect bites. Finally, it is important to keep children from playing in or with toys that have been in the water. Bacteria and mold find those items inviting.

Mold is the number one result from any flood no matter the size and can start to grow within the first 24 hours. It also accounts for the largest portion of rebuilding dollars. If your property has been touched by water, it is important that the area is treated to prevent mold growth. Mold and their spores directly affect ones respiratory system and health.

Mold can grow at any temperature. There are two things that mold needs to grow; food and moisture. This is why rapid structural drying is a key component in eliminating and preventing mold growth. One of the most common complaints after restoration is that there is an odor in the air. This happens when they structure was not completely dry. Treating the air for the smell will not fix this problem. The area must be found, dried completely and then treated with an antimicrobial to kill and clean any mold spores that are left.

It is important to choose a properly educated, certified and reputable cleaning and restoration company restore your property. Attempting to fix these types of problems on your own can potentially increase the damage to your home or business. A certified company understands the dynamics and importance of proper water extraction and structural drying, and can help guarantee that your home or office will be left in a healthy condition.

Article written by Curt Miller, a second generation owner of Millers Cleaning and Contracting, IICRC certified. He may be reached by calling 1-866-803-5695 or via email at curt@1800millers.com.