Preventing and dealing with mold after water damage

Water damage is the most common way a house ends up with a serious mold problem. The EPA says it's important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Flooding around Central Arkansas

The Arkansas River runs through the middle of the metro, and Central Arkansas gets heavy spring rain. In the 2019 Arkansas River flood, record or near-record crests occurred along the river in late May and early June, and homes near Two Rivers Park northwest of Little Rock flooded. The National Weather Service's Little Rock river gauge notes that at higher stages, the Baring Cross, Dixie, and Eastgate areas of North Little Rock are affected. Flash flooding from creeks and overwhelmed storm drains, plumbing failures, and roof leaks cause water damage far more often than the river does.

The first 48 hours

1. Stay safe. Don't enter flooded areas with the power on. Floodwater can carry sewage and chemicals.
2. Stop the water if you can — shut off the main for plumbing leaks, tarp roof damage.
3. Document it. Photos and video before you move or throw anything out, for insurance.
4. Get water out and air moving. Remove standing water, run fans and dehumidifiers, and open up the house if the outdoor air is dry. In humid Arkansas weather, air conditioning and dehumidifiers usually beat open windows.
5. Pull out wet porous materials. Soaked carpet and pad, wet insulation, and drywall that wicked up water usually can't be saved.
6. Check hidden spaces. Water runs into wall cavities, under flooring, and down into the crawl space.

When to call a pro

• Floodwater (river, creek, or storm water) got into the house — it's treated as contaminated.
• Water sat for more than a day or two, or you already see or smell mold.
• Water got into walls, under floors, or into the crawl space and you can't tell how far it went.
• The affected area is larger than about 10 square feet.