Seasonal Mold Prevention Plan

Why Seasonal Planning Helps

Humidity and water exposure change throughout the year. Addressing small issues each season prevents major mold problems.

• Run dehumidifiers in basements and crawlspaces
• Inspect HVAC condensate lines for clogs
• Monitor indoor humidity during heat waves

Fast response helps limit damage, but a clean plumbing leak is not the same event as stormwater or floodwater. Classify the water and clear hazards before choosing any extraction or drying step.

Confirmed clean supply leak

• Stop the source from a safe location and keep people and pets away from the work area
• After the safety gate is cleared, remove standing water and dry wet materials with equipment appropriate to the confirmed clean-water event, safe power, access, and controls
• Treat EPA's 24-48 hour guidance as a prompt-drying target; if it is missed, investigate persistent wetness, swelling, staining, odor, or hidden assemblies rather than assuming mold is present
• Document the source, affected materials, work performed, moisture readings, visible conditions, and unresolved questions

Storm, flood, drain, sewage, chemical, or unknown water

• Keep people and pets out of the affected area and do not enter standing water
• Do not extract, run fans or dehumidifiers, open cavities, or run HVAC until qualified help confirms the water category, power, access, and controls
• Arrange the appropriate emergency responder, utility, licensed trade, or qualified cleanup professional for the hazard and water category
• Do not treat PPE, a wet vacuum, pumps, fans, or other equipment as a substitute for qualified controls