4 Ways To Prevent Mold From Forming In Your Home After An Extreme Storm

October 2, 2022 — 9:00 AM

Thanks to climate change, the world is set to experience more unprecedented weather events in the coming years. (And you don't need to look beyond Hurricane Ian to see that they are already causing major damage.) According to the IPCC’s 2021 report, every region globally faces changes like intense rainfall, high levels of flooding, sea level rise, and more. In its working 2022 report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states, "Approximately 3.3 to 3.6 billion people live in contexts that are highly vulnerable to climate change."

There's a lot to consider about how we as a species will weather climate change. However, there's one topic that rarely gets brought to the table when it comes to this worldwide crisis: indoor environmental health.

If they are filled with microscopic particles such as microbial fragments, mold spores, bacteria, and mycotoxins, they will negatively affect our health. As the saying goes, "Just because you can't see something doesn't mean it isn't there." The longer someone is exposed to a toxic indoor space, the more foreign particles will enter their bodies through inhalation, absorption, and ingestion.

Extreme weather from climate change will only worsen the issue by bringing increased moisture into our homes. Water damage from flooding and stormes generates the ideal environment for toxic particles to thrive. Mold, for example, can grow on a surface in as little as 24 hours if moisture and food sources are present. Once established in an indoor environment, they’ll begin releasing microscopic particles into that space, lowering the air quality and contaminating the surfaces within. 

As we fight to combat climate change, I'd argue that we also need to make sure our homes remain safe in the process.

To prep your home for possible climate change events, you'll want to assess your local area and its risk factors. For example, as water levels rise worldwide, homes in low-lying areas will face increased flooding risk. Taking steps to mitigate water intrusions, such as installing flood shields and floor drain plugs, can help avoid opportunities for microbial growth. Each situation will be unique, so it’s important to pay attention to how global warming might affect your specific location.

From there, action plans should be set in place should water damage occur. Microbial growth happens fast, so responding quickly and correctly is key to reducing contamination and exposure as much as possible. Plan ahead by knowing what steps you will take and which professionals you will call in the event of water damage.

Speaking of damages, insurance coverage is a huge piece of the process of preparing a home for the effects of climate change. Crafting a comprehensive policy will help to avoid the high costs that can result from not being able to handle the situation adequately. Far too often, individuals are forced to deal with toxic spaces because they cannot afford to take the steps to eliminate the problem. A root cause of this issue is a lack of policy coverage.

When choosing insurance, ask questions such as: