Municipal Affairs
Transportation and Works
September 29, 2010
Public Advisory: Residents Encouraged
to Ensure Mould Abatement
in Igor Affected Homes
Fire and Emergency Services — Newfoundland and
Labrador is reminding home owners affected by Hurricane Igor to take
measures to ensure their personal safety. The following are guidelines
to use while dealing with mould:
- While cleaning up in a room where mould is
present, people should wear a face mask and disposable gloves.
- Residents may need to have their home
professionally cleaned by a company specializing in mould
abatement. Home owners are reminded to contact their insurance
company to check coverage.
- A cool, dry area minimizes mould growth.
- Alternatively, textiles, furs, paper and books
can be frozen until they are treated.
- Wet mould will smear if wiped. Let it dry and,
if possible, move the effected items outside to brush it off.
- Mould spores can also be destroyed by lightly
misting the item with isopropanol (rubbing alcohol).
For carpets and furniture:
- Carpets soaked with sewage must be discarded.
- Remove
residual mud and soil from furniture, appliances, and other
affected items.
- If items are
just damp, let the mud dry and then brush it off.
- To test if
material is dry, tape clear food wrap to the surface of the
item. If the covered section turns darker than the surrounding
material, it is still damp. Dry until this no longer occurs.
- For
upholstered furniture, residents should consult a professional
to see what can be salvaged. In the meantime, remove cushions
and dry separately. Do not remove upholstery. Raise furniture on
blocks and place fans underneath.
- Wooden
furniture: remove drawers and open doors. Do not dry quickly or
splitting may occur.
The Provincial Government is moving forward with its provincial
disaster assistance program for those who qualify; however, home owners
need to take initial steps to ensure safety is top of mind. FES-NL
advises if you require further information or have questions, please
call 1-888-395-5611.
Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857,
631-9962
CherylGullage@gov.nl.ca
2010 09 29 4:20 p.m. |