The Red Cross offers the following tips on repairing a flooded home and dealing with mold and mildew

— Excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. If your home has been flooded, assume that it has been contaminated with mold, which may cause sneezing, stuffy noses, red eyes, skin rash, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, asthma, lung infections..

— Discolored walls and ceilings, visible water damage, musty earthy smells and foul odors are signs of mold.

Cleaning and Drying Out

1. Open doors and windows. Let your home air out for at least 30 minutes before staying inside for any length of time. Use fans to dry out your home.

2. Remove all items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and that cannot be cleaned and dried thoroughly.

3. Examples of absorbent items that cannot be cleaned are: carpets and carpet padding, upholstery, wall paper, dry wall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation material, clothing, leather, paper, books, wood and food.

4. To remove mold from hard surfaces mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water and wash with the mixture. Use a stiff brush to scrub rough surfaces and rinse with clean water. Dry the item or leave it out to air dry.

5. To prevent mold growth, clean all wet items and surfaces with detergent and water and fix any water problems such as leaks in roofs, walls or plumbing.

6. Turning on air conditioners or heaters can spread mold spores and make the problem worse. Clean before use.

Source: American Red Cross