STANWOOD — If you can see it or smell it, your health might be at risk.
Mold could be a major problem for people whose homes were flooded in January.
A good cleanup effort is essential to fighting mold, and care must be taken to completely dry your home in order to prevent structural damage and serious respiratory health problems, said Laura White, public health adviser with the state Department of Health’s environmental health division.
Information on how to deal with mold will be available at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Stanwood disaster recovery center when it opens at noon Thursday in the youth exhibit hall at the Stanwood Camano Community Fairgrounds, 6431 Pioneer Highway. Regular hours at the FEMA center are set for 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The FEMA center at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe closed Tuesday.
Homeowners, renters and business owners who had flood losses can register for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Online registration is available at www.disasterassistance.gov.
While it is possible to register at the disaster center, FEMA officials encourage people to register online or on the phone before visiting. Going to the disaster center is good idea, said John Pennington, Snohomish County emergency management director. FEMA officials at the center can answer questions about eligibility and help people complete loan applications, he said.
More than $3 million in federal disaster assistance has been paid to Washington residents to help them recover from January’s floods.
If people are denied FEMA assistance, there is an appeal process. For information about an appeal, visit the Stanwood disaster center or call FEMA at 800-621-3362.
The federal Small Business Administration also plans to be on hand at the Stanwood disaster center to provide disaster aid to homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the recent floods.
People need to register with FEMA first, then SBA representatives plan to help people at the center get money to repair or replace items damaged by the floods that weren’t fully covered by insurance.
Businesses of all sizes can borrow up to $2 million and don’t have to have physical damage to quality for a loan. If the floods caused an economic injury to a business, that also qualifies, SBA officials said.
Hiring reliable contractors to repair flood-damaged homes or businesses is important. Federal officials are urging consumers to use common sense when hiring repair contractors. Contractors should be licensed with the state. Consumer information is available at www.atg.wa.gov/SafeguardingConsumers.aspx or by calling 800-551-4636. Anyone who suspects someone of posing as a contractor, inspector or disaster victim or of committing fraudulent acts should contact the FEMA fraud hotline at 866-720-5721.
Financial assistance also is available for farmers and ranchers who have flood debris to remove or need to repair such things as fencing, said Travis Martin, Farm Service Agency county executive director in Lake Stevens.
The federal Department of Agriculture offers additional programs to help farmers and ranchers recover from disaster damage, Martin said.
For information call 425-334-3131 or go to www.fsa.usda.gov/wa.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427, gfiege@heraldnet.com.
Fight mold
Mold growth is common in flood-damaged homes. Dampness in basements, walls, carpets and wood provides an environment for mold to flourish. Throw out what can’t be washed. Allow surfaces to dry before replacing drywall, insulation and floor coverings. Bleach and soapy water are the best cleaners.
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