Hurricane season has officially begun and while mold is not usually something that you might think about when preparing for a hurricane, prevention could save you thousands of dollars and heartache down the line if flooding occurs.
Stay safe this hurricane season! Our public claims adjusters discuss how to prevent mold damage and place a claim for your property if needed.
Preventing Mold Damage
Hurricane season in Florida is all about preparedness and prevention. You can never be too prepared when a storm rolls through. While having an evacuation route in place for your family is important, it is also important to take steps to keep mold at bay during and after a storm, especially if storm surge or flooding has come inside your home.
Follow these tips:
Keep Your Windows Closed
This is important for other safety reasons during a hurricane, but it is also key to preventing mold growth as well.
While you might think that opening your windows would help dry out your flooded home faster, it is best to keep the windows closed. Humidity can lead to mold growth if windows are open, especially in Tampa Bay.
Watch for Leaks
If there has been any flooding due to a hurricane, check for water leaks. You should begin the drying process as quickly as you can after flooding to prevent mold growth.
Mold remediation professionals report that it can take just 24-48 hours for mold to grow, so handle any leaks or water damage as soon as possible.
Related> How to Place a Water Damage Claim
Drying Out Your Home
If your power has gone out during a storm, and you do not have access to fans, air conditioning, or a backup generator to get them running, remove any objects that have been affected by flooding.
Check your carpets, rugs, pillows, furniture, and other absorbent items for any signs of moisture. Mold can begin to grow from anywhere.
This is also true when it comes to the walls of your home, check them for water damage that may have come from the flooring. If there is any standing water in your home, take steps to remove it as quickly as possible.
Time is of the essence after storm or flood damage. We will deal with the insurance company, so you can focus on putting the pieces back together after a hurricane. Submit your claim today!
Taking Care of Mold
If you have already noticed mold growth after a hurricane, there are some things that you can do to save your home and protect your family.
Avoid the Affected Area
If you are returning home after evacuating from a hurricane and you have noticed mold growth, it is best to not go near the affected area. Be aware: children under 12 should never enter a building with mold damage. People with breathing issues or a weak immune system should also never be in a room where they could inhale mold spores, as inhalation could exacerbate respiratory problems. If you need to enter the property, wear an N95 mask, even if you are healthy.
Sometimes mold is hidden, so if there has been any flooding in your home, check every room thoroughly before allowing anyone to go inside.
Finally, any food or drinks should also be considered affected and thrown out as mold spreads quickly.
Further reading> Home Insurance and Mold...Is it Covered?
Find a Mold Remediation Company
Hire an experienced and certified mold remediation company as soon as possible. Our partners respond quickly due to the hazardous nature of mold. Most remediation companies offer 24/7 services and will inspect and remediate mold problems after a hurricane.
To recap:
Do not try to fix mold damage yourself as mold can cause serious health issues.
Do not touch or remove moldy items from the affected area.
Do not open windows. This will prevent mold from spreading.
Placing a Mold Damage Claim
Previously, mold damage claims were covered under most homeowner’s insurance policies, if it was a result of a covered peril such as a storm, plumbing leak, or another event. With increased awareness of mold and its hazards, cleanup and removal have become more expensive and many insurance carriers are removing mold coverage from their policies regardless of the cause.
However, there are some cases in which insurance companies will offer limited mold/fungus coverage at an additional premium.
Lean on Liberty Insurance Adjusters
Mold damage insurance claims are complex, especially for busy homeowners who are not familiar with the exclusions of their insurance policy. That’s where we come in.
To receive the fairest compensation for your loss, experts at Liberty Adjusters will be with you every step of the way. We even handle previously open, stalled, and denied property damage claims. Trust our reputable team to help manage your mold damage claim.
Do not delay. Get the insurance settlement that you deserve. Call our public claims adjusters today—813-922-5129 or submit a claim online.