May 30, 2008

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraskans left with storm-damaged or flooded homes and businesses need to use caution when cleaning up broken glass and the muddy mess, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln specialist said.

Although it's important to clean up items as soon as possible, several safety issues also are key, said Shirley Niemeyer, housing and environment specialist in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

"It's important to use great caution when assessing and working on damaged structures," Niemeyer said.

Central and eastern Nebraska storms brought tornadoes, hail and flooding to the state Thursday night and early Friday morning (May 29 and 30).

It's also important for home and business owners to contact their insurance companies to determine the extent of coverage and what records, photos or examples are needed.

"Electrical safety is most important in floods," Niemeyer said. "Watch for electrical shorts and live wires. Also, make sure electrical service is disconnected and any outside gas lines are turned off before attempting to do any work in the house."

When it is safe to enter, an electrician should check wiring and appliances for safety before using electricity.

"Equipment and wiring that appears to be safe soon after flooding may fail prematurely and cause a fire or shock hazard," she said. "Replacement often is the best option."

It's also important to clean up household items to prevent mold and odors after water damage, she said.

When cleaning the home, be sure to wear protective clothing, hard sole shoes, rubber gloves and an N-95 or a HEPA filter mask for extra protection against contamination and particles. Also, be sure exposed skin is washed frequently.

"When cleaning up glass from broken windows, also be sure to wear protective gloves and keep children and pets away from the area," she said. "Make sure the area is thoroughly cleaned several times. Carefully pick up larger glass pieces, gently sweep and then wet-wipe, depending on the surface."

Some materials may need to be discarded, she said.

"When wind and tornadoes accompany broken glass, the glass may be imbedded into materials," she said. "These materials should be discarded unless they are very valuable or a keepsake and can be professionally cleaned and restored."

It's especially difficult to clean up broken glass from carpets because it can become imbedded. Also, glass can get stuck in the recesses of wood.

It's important to check the siding and roof for damage to keep further moisture out of the house, she said.

"There are places that we don't think about where water may have gotten," Niemeyer said. "Crawl spaces, wall cavities and floor joist areas may need to be dried out, especially if there was extensive water damage.

Mold can start growing in 24 to 48 hours, especially next to anything organic, such as paper or wood. To minimize mold and mildew, run a central air conditioner, dehumidifier or fans to accelerate the drying process. Make sure the electrical system is protected with ground fault interrupters at the outlets, Niemeyer said.

Water damaged furniture and household linens need immediate attention to prevent mold, mildew and odors. To begin the cleaning process, air dry all items outside in direct sun, if possible. Materials that could warp or fade should be dried in the shade.

When it comes to materials such as floor coverings and furnishings, it's generally recommended to discard fibrous or porous materials, such as carpets, as they are hard to completely clean. Hard, non-porus surfaces usually can be cleaned, Niemeyer said.

Success with cleaning carpets and rugs also depends on the extent and type of water damage.

"Clean water, including regular plumbing leaks or rain water through an open window, may be easier to deal with, while carpets and pads contaminated with sewage, flood water or runoff water should be discarded," Niemeyer said.

Carpets soaked with clean rain water in a small area may be saved, she said. They should be steam-cleaned by a professional carpet cleaner skilled in flood-damaged carpets.

"If you must attempt to salvage carpet contaminated with clean rainwater yourself, discard the pad," she said. "Do not replace carpet and new padding until the flooring and floor joists are throughly dry."

To aid in drying, remove subfloors and open up the floor joist area, Niemeyer said. Drying out subflooring, joists and wall cavities can take up to three months or more. Moisture meters can help determine the moisture content of wood and other materials and to make decisions about when to replace wall board and flooring.

"Wall cavities often are overlooked and not thoroughly dried out, creating a good environment for mold growth," she said.

Moldings, wall boards and insulation also should be removed well above the apparent water line and tossed. In addition, moisture can seep into other materials. Allow the cavity to thoroughly dry several weeks to months before replacing any type of drywall or wall covering.

"This is critical for preventing mold growth," Niemeyer said.

Throughout the year, maintain humidity levels between 25 percent and 50 percent to prevent dormant mold spores from growing.

"Keep a vigilant eye out for any signs of odors, moisture or mold growth and run a dehumidifier to control moisture levels," Niemeyer said.

For more educational resources, contact local extension offices or the following Web sites: Red Cross, EDEN, eXtension.

5/30/08-SK

Shirley Niemeyer - Ph.D.
Textiles, Clothing and Design
Professor
(402) 472- 6319

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News and Photography
(402) 472-3030

Department: Textiles - Clothing and Design