Q: What is so dangerous about mold?
A: Mold is mainly dangerous to your health as it may cause light allergic reactions to serious illness. It is more dangerous to infants, children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with respiratory diseases, a weakened immune system, and those who suffer from allergies. The common reactions to mold are nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, shortness of breath, wheezing, and in rare cases, mold infections.

Q: Will cleaning moldy areas stop the growth?
A: Cleaning is an important step when attempting to eliminate mold but it is not enough and will not stop mold growth. To stop mold you must remove the moisture source that promotes the growth. It is most recommended to keep the affected area dry and moisture free.

Q: How can I tell if I have mold?
A: Active mold growth is slimy or fuzzy and is usually green, black, orange or purple. Inactive mold is dry and powdery and is usually white. In early stages, mold may look like a web while in full bloom it looks bushy. Another indicator for mold presence is odor. Mold has a musty, earthy smell that can indicate its presence even if it cannot be seen.

Q: Where does mold grow?
A: Mold can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Usually, mold is found in damp areas, such as the basement or bathroom, as well as in the outdoor environment in grass, leaf piles, hay, and mulch.

Q: What are the basic steps to mold prevention?
A: To prevent mold from growing, you will need to keep humidity levels below 40-45 percent. Start with measuring air moisture using a humidity meter (hygrometer). To maintain adequate moisture levels, allow good air circulation and use dehumidifiers and your AC system.

Q: How can I know if I have water damage in the kitchen?
A: The following are typical signs of water damage in the kitchen:

Leaks under the sink, slow draining pipes, cracked tile or missing grout, soft or stained walls and floors, leaks under and around the base of the dishwasher, and moisture behind the refrigerator.

Q: Where do I need to look for water damage in the bathroom while inspecting?
A: Start with the toilet; check the water lines, the floor around the toilet, the tank and the toilet rim. Make sure no leaks are visible. Then inspect the Shower and Bathtub. Inspect the tiles, the grout, drain and visible plumbing. Confirm that all seals are tighten and dry. Be attentive to discolorations or soft areas around the bathtub walls.

Q: Can the attic vents be a water damage "threat"?
A: Yes, but do not uninstall them. Vents are vital for proper attic ventilation and help circulating air and keep low humidity in the attic. However, vents must be inspected regularly.

Q: I can see drips in the washing machine while it is not in use. Is that normal or is it a sign for water damage?
A: You probably need to replace the shut off valve. Consider installing a single-handled valve that makes it easier to turn off the water supply to the washing machine.

Q: I checked my attic insulation and it seems wet. How can I dry it and make sure it is still in good condition?
A: After being wet, most insulation is ineffective. However, it is hard to dry out insulation and therefore it will hold moisture for a while, creating high moisture conditions. It is strongly recommended to find and fix the leak source and replace all wet insulation.

Q: What is air drying?
A: Air drying is the most common technique for dry out. Airflow will speed up evaporation by moving moisture-saturated air, allowing dry air to absorb moisture. This method is inexpensive drying since no special equipment is required. However, it is relatively slow.

Q: What are the best ways to secure my property after fire related damage?
A: Lock and secure your property when not occupied to prevent looting. Keep in mind that alarms may malfunction if the electricity or telephone service has been interrupted.

Q: How can I estimate the extent of the damage?
A: Start with a closer inspection of the property to assess the damage to the exterior. Only if determined safe, walk around the building and lot to observe and gather information. Now enter the structure. Taking extreme precautions, start from the top and document the damage.

Q: What can I do to reduce the chances of fire damage in my bedroom?
A: Pay attention to electric blankets. Don't go to sleep with an electric blanket unless it has thermostatic controls or a overheat protector. Keep the electric blanket flat to prevent damage to the internal wiring. Install smoke detectors and test them regularly. Be extremely careful with portable heaters and keep a 3ft. clearance between them and combustibles. Refrain from smoking in bed.

Q: What are grease fires and how can I fight grease fires?
A: A grease fire occurs when oil or greasy foods are heated and ignite. The simplest way to fight a grease fire is to carefully slide a lid over the pan. Do not fight grease fires with water because water causes the grease to splatter and the fire to spread.

Q: How can I safely store flammable liquid?
A: Try avoiding storing flammable liquid inside your home. It is recommended to store in approved containers and make sure sealed. Keep away from heat. If stored in the basement, keep clearance (at least 3 feet) around appliances such as the furnace or hot water heater.

Q: Is it safe to store appliances such as a loan mower or a snow blower in the basement?
A: No. the flammable liquids in these appliances release flammable vapors that can ignite and start a fire.

Q: What are the important safety rules regarding bathroom appliances?
A: The most important safety rule for bathroom appliances is to make sure they are undamaged and that all cords and wires are insulated. In addition, make sure that these appliances are installed within a safe distance away from water to eliminate shocks and electrocution hazards.

Q: What are the important safety rules regarding bathroom appliances?
A: The most important safety rule for bathroom appliances is to make sure they are undamaged and that all cords and wires are insulated. In addition, make sure that these appliances are installed within a safe distance away from water to eliminate shocks and electrocution hazards.

Q: Are there any specific safety measures for electrical boards?
A: Yes. Electrical boards can be a real fire threat if overloaded or over fused. Keep you electrical box clean and tidy. Do not bypass circuit fuses and never use extension cords for items that need a permanent supply of electricity.

Q: How can I test my smoke detector and how often should I do it?
A: Smoke detectors should be tested once a month. The simplest test is to press the test button on your detector and check that it beeps loudly. It is also important to test the batteries and replace them every 6 months.

Q: Will my home owner's policy covers water damage as a result of a hurricane?
A: No. Hurricane coverage was dropped from the standard home owner's policy. To insure you home against floods you will have to purchase additional flood insurance.

Q: How much does renters insurance cost?
A: Basic policies start at rates as low as $12 to $20 per month. These policies provide inexpensive basic protection of your personal belongings, and protect you in case of a personal liability lawsuit.

Q: Doesn't my landlord's insurance covers me?
A: Your landlord's insurance generally covers the rented structure but not personal belongings and liability.

Q: Why do I need liability insurance?
A: Liability insurance protects your current and future assets in case you are responsible for injury to another person or damage to another person's property if an incident occurred within your rented unit. Renters insurance may also provide legal defense costs.

Q: Does my small business need insurance?
A: Yes! Do not put your business at risk by not having insurance or not having the right kind of coverage. Without adequate insurance, a fire or water related damage could destroy your business financially.

Q: Isn't business insurance expensive?
A: No! Many small business owners have no insurance due to a common misconception that small business insurance is too expensive. The truth is that not having insurance can cost a lot more than annual premiums.

Q: Will my flood insurance policy cover sewer backup?
A: Only if the backup and the damage are related to flooding and the general conditions of flooding are met in the area.

Q: Doesn't federal disaster assistance pay for flood damage?
A: Federal disaster assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster. Even when a disaster is declared, federal assistance is provided as a loan that you must pay back with interest. Flood insurance, will cover damages even if a disaster is not declared.

Q: What is covered by a flood insurance policy?
A: Direct physical losses caused by floods are covered. Losses resulting from flood-related erosion are also covered if caused by abnormally high waves or currents of water activity, severe storm, flash flood or abnormal tidal surge. Your basement structure, essential equipment and other basic items normally located in a basement are covered; however personal belongings stored in a basement, such as furniture, are not covered.

Q: Who is eligible for flood insurance?
A: Homes, condos, apartments, renters and business structures are eligible.

Q: Does my NFIP Policy cover mold or mildew?
A: Damage from mold or mildew arising from the after effects of a covered flood is covered. However, each case is evaluated on an individual basis. Mold or mildew conditions that existed prior to the flood event are not covered. After a flood, the policy holder is responsible for taking reasonable and appropriate mitigation actions to reduce or eliminate mold or mildew.