Water damage and mold after a flood
After a flood, turn off power only if you can do it without standing in water, photograph the damage, and then dry wet areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold, according to EPA. Throw out soaked carpet and drywall you can't dry quickly, and get help for mold covering more than about 10 square feet.
Information may be delayed or incomplete. Always verify with official sources and follow local officials.
Why speed matters
“If you already have a mold problem - ACT QUICKLY. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.”EPA, Mold Cleanup in Your Home
What you can do yourself
“If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself”EPA, Mold Cleanup in Your Home
CDC says mold can come off hard surfaces with soap and water, household products, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach per gallon of water. Open windows, and wear rubber boots, gloves and goggles.
“Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. This will produce a poisonous gas.”CDC, Mold basics
Carpet and upholstery that soaked and can't be dried right away should go, according to the same CDC page.
Who should stay out
“People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if these individuals are not allergic to mold.”Ready.gov, Hurricanes
A note on mold testing
CDC does not recommend routine mold testing, because there are no set standards for an acceptable amount and you need to remove visible mold either way. An assessment is worth paying for when you need to find hidden moisture, scope a large job, or document conditions for an insurer or landlord. If someone tells you that you need a test before you can start drying, get a second opinion.