Mold after a power outage | Choose Energy®
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What’s the issue? Extended power outages can lead to increased indoor humidity that spurs mold growth.
What does this mean for you? Mold can trigger asthma flare-ups and cause respiratory infections. Mold is especially hazardous to children, senior citizens, and people with weakened immune systems.
The bottom line. Even a power outage of just 24 hours can kick off mold growth in your home. Be vigilant against mold before, during, and after a power outage to prevent illness and property damage.
Why you need to be aware of mold
Mold can breed incredibly fast and thrives in warm, wet environments like the kind you might encounter after a natural disaster.
In hurricane season, after a flood, or even a snowstorm, you want to make sure you’re prepared to fight mold before it affects your family’s health and well-being. Here’s everything you need to know about mold during an extended power outage.
Mold can grow in almost any conditions
Mold spores are hearty stock that can survive and thrive in suboptimal conditions. Moisture and warmer temperatures provide the best environment for mold and mildew to multiply. There are over 100,000 different types of mold.
Mold grows after a power outage
Lack of air conditioning and proper ventilation after a power outage can provide excellent conditions for mold and mildew to grow. Homes in warm, humid climates like the southeast United States are prime real estate for mold.
Mold grows super fast
Mold colonies “can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours,” according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Mold reproduces microscopic spores that easily travel through the air.
Prepare for mold before a power outage happens
- Maintain a low humidity environment in your home. A humidity level of 50% or lower is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Ensure indoor exhaust fans are in working order in high-humidity areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and dryer vents.
- Identify and repair any leaks in your home’s structure.
- Keep your home clean and dry.
Eliminate mold after a power outage
Once a building is considered safe:
- Air out: Open all windows and doors to promote cross-ventilation.
- Move out: Move affected items, especially permeable ones, and cover them with plastic drop cloths.
- Tear out: Get rid of contaminated building materials like carpet and drywall.
- Clean out: Wash and sanitize the remainder of the building and items with commercial mold removers.
- Dry out: Thoroughly dry materials to prevent mold from returning.
Mold causes multiple health issues
Mold can trigger asthma, wheezing, and health issues such as “eye irritation, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, skin rash, and headaches,” according to Healthline. Some studies link mold to persistent health issues.
Keep your pets safe from mold
Pets can also encounter respiratory problems when exposed to black mold. Keep pet food in an airtight container and consult a vet if symptoms occur.
Bonus mold fact: It doesn’t matter if mold is living or dead
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Dead mold is allergenic and may cause allergic reactions and other health effects in some individuals, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold. It must also be removed.”