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Last Updated: Oct 28, 2019 - 9:42:39 AM |
Residents pay rapt attention to presentations from the SBPUSA team who offer effective mold remediation tips for residents impacted by severe flooding from Hurricane Dorian. (Photo courtesy of GBPA)
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Freeport, Bahamas – The safe and effective removal of mold following severe flooding, such as Grand Bahamians experienced with Hurricane Dorian, is critical to full and healthy restoration. The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is pleased to support mold remediation education for Grand Bahama’s homeowners, business owners, and contractors.
More than 50 of Grand Bahama Island’s residential subdivisions were devastated due to floodwaters generated by destructive storm surge during Hurricane Dorian.
As Grand Bahamians move on to the rebuild phase of restoration, scores of residents are dealing with mold issues due to the severe flooding wrought by the storm.
Members of the SBPUSA team participate in one of several town hall meetings on mold remediation. The team was engaged by the GBPA to assist local residents post-Hurricane Dorian.
(Photo courtesy of GBPA)
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According to studies, mold grows in damp areas around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold thrives on paper products, ceiling tiles, and wood, and can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric and upholstery.
The presence of mold has been linked to a number of health issues such as nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, wheezing, and eye and skin irritation. Those with compromised immune systems and chronic lung illnesses such as obstructive lung disease are at risk of serious infections when exposed to mold.
As part of its Island-wide restoration strategy, the GBPA has partnered with both local and international NGOs to raise public awareness about the threat of mold contamination. Through a series of community town meetings, the GBPA, in partnership with SBP-USA, a Louisiana based disaster recovery non-profit group, has begun educating residents by providing effective mold remediation tips.
Nakira Wilchcombe, the Company’s Director of Building & Development Services, advised, “Some areas of the Island were more severely impacted by Dorian’s flooding and are thus at a higher risk of mold contamination.
We have had meetings in the communities of Hawksbill, West Section and Sunset, and we’ll be in Hudson Estates on Tuesday, October 29th at the Grace Christian Academy grounds from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Followed by Heritage Estates on Thursday, October 31st at 5:30 PM by the Church of God Fairfield.
Through its partnership with SBP-USA, Louisiana-based best known for its work following Hurricane Katrina, literature and video tutorials have been shared with a great number of homeowners requiring details on the mold remediation process. “SBP has had lots of experience in helping survivors of natural disasters rebuild and restore their homes, and they have been instrumental in this process,” Wilchcombe explained.
“Before restoration can occur, homes must be properly dried and treated for mold,” noted SBP Director of Communications Andy Stofleth. “SBP has partnered with the Grand Bahama Port Authority to host mold remediation training in the community so that homeowners, other NGOs, and contractors can all work together to address this critical step in the recovery process.”
Wilchcombe further advised that the GBPA has also set up training for local contractors who need to be well versed in mold remediation. “We are working alongside local contractors and janitorial companies to ensure that their services meet global standards in terms of effective remediation.”
Persons seeking assistance in this area are encouraged to contact the GBPA’s Building & Development Services Department by telephone at 816-4030 or via the Company’s website and social media pages. Additional information can also be found on SPB-USA’s website at www.SBPUSA.org/start-here.
© Copyright 2019 by thebahamasweekly.com
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