Milwaukee Residents May Be Eligible for Mold Remediation Assistance

MILWAUKEE—City of Milwaukee residents are still dealing with the aftermath of this year’s August flooding, which caused significant damage to many properties and material losses. One of the main issues that continues to cause concerns is mold and how to address it.

In most cases, individuals who applied for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) received funds for mold remediation as part of their payment, but may not be aware of it. Our Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are still open and available to assist and answer any questions. While FEMA may not cover the total cost of mold remediation, they may provide money to assist. Homeowners who have already received funds from FEMA but continue to have a mold problem may appeal for additional damages. The appeal will initiate a second inspection, which will be performed at the damaged home.

Individuals who apply for FEMA assistance may be eligible for Clean and Sanitize Assistance, which could provide a $300 one-time payment to eligible residents to assist with mold cleanup, preventing additional loss and potential health or safety concerns.

If your home has been damaged by the recent floods, mold may continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture. Preventing mold growth requires controlling the moisture source. This may be as simple as using a dehumidifier or fixing a simple leak. The affected area(s) should be allowed to dry thoroughly. Small areas of mold growth on non-porous surfaces, such as those found in your bathroom, on a wall, or a window sill, can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth and cleaning agent (e.g., window or bathroom cleaner). If sewage release occurred, a bleach solution (between 1% and 5% chlorine) may be necessary to disinfect. Please visit the Milwaukee Health Department website for additional information.

Resources & Reporting

• Information on mold cleanup and safety
• Federal guidelines on mold cleanup after a disaster
• QR codes to various sources on flood cleanup of homes
• To schedule a property inspection for potential foundation damage, contact DNS at (414) 286-2268 or submit a request online at milwaukee.gov/Click4Action.
• To report flooding-related issues, contact the City of Milwaukee at (414) 286-CITY (2489), report it online at milwaukee.gov/Click4Action, or through the MKEmobile app.

SBP How-to Muck and Gut Videos

• After the Disaster: Muck and Gut Process
• After the Disaster: Tools Needed for Muck and Gut
• After the Disaster: DIY Mold Remediation
• SBP: Step-by-Step Mold Remediation Guide

*Links available at the Office of Emergency Management’s webpage, milwaukee.gov/OEM*

Reminder: if you need to apply for federal assistance, the deadline to submit your application is November 12. You can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, call (800) 621-3362, or by visiting a local disaster recovery center.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.