Even though it's mid-sommer, not all of us are enjoying sunny, blue skies. Here in my part of the globe, it's been pretty wet the last couple of weeks, and I know that in some areas prone to flooding, people are already getting anxious. At times like these, there's more to think about than just keeping yourself and protecting your belongings from moisture. When the water recedes and the sun's out once more, you'll have to put control measure to prevent mold growth, which can cause allergic reactions and asthmatic symptoms in sensitive people.

If your building is flooded, H. James Wedner, M.D., professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, offers these tips to prevent mold growth:

1) dry it out quickly - mold will grow almost immediately in wet conditions; 2) cool it down - mold likes warmth as well as humidity; 3) remove wet materials - wet Sheetrock can't be repaired and must be taken out; 4) clean anything that has been wet - that includes clothing, which should be dry cleaned; 5) throw away anything that can't be thoroughly cleaned - that favorite couch might have to go; 6) hire a professional to clean affected areas of the building with appropriate materials - often a solution of 10 percent bleach is used.

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