From the start of the Flood Fight the Siouxland Chamber has made it a part of our job to keep the general public and our business community up-to-date with relevant and accurate information. We hope to continue this effort by partnering with Iowa State University Extension
as well as the City of Sioux City to bring you two free seminars from a leading expert in flood cleanup.
Nationally known flood recovery expert, Dr. Ken Hellevang of North Dakota State University’s Extension Disaster Education Network will cover the hazards associated with flood restoration and clean-up, as well as recommended personal protective equipment; water damage restoration and accepted mold removal standards and procedures; specific guidelines for appliances, HVAC, electrical, and different types of construction materials and components; appropriate biocides and other chemicals; and the process for the critical drying of the structure. Ample time will be provided for questions and answers.
These two meetings will be held at the Sioux City Convention Center
- August 29, 2011 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM for homeowners and businesses and on
- August 30, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for contractors.
Flood restoration and clean-up are the major topics that will be discussed by Dr. Hellevang. “Think of cleaning your home after a flood as a marathon,” Dr. Hellevang advises. “Flood recovery is a long process, and it can have a huge impact on many parts of your life, including your health, emotions and finances. Because cleaning a flooded home is such an enormous undertaking, don’t make hasty decisions.”
Dr. Hellevang is an Engineering Specialist and Professor in the Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department at North Dakota State University. He is a nationally known specialist in flood preparation and recovery including mold and moisture problems and has provided educational and technical assistance to several flooded Midwest regions including Eastern Iowa and North Dakota. “This likely is a new experience for you, and you need to do the cleanup correctly,” he stresses.
The seminars will cover how to protect yourself from hazards associated with cleaning a flooded home, the recommended process including what can be salvaged and what needs to be discarded, recommended procedure for cleaning and sanitizing, and proper drying procedures. Proper mold removal and steps to minimize mold growth will also be covered.
This meeting is FREE to the public. Flood related publications and Extension staff will be available to answer questions.
For information or questions call the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce at 712-255-7903 or the Woodbury County Extension Office at 712-276-2157 or visit the Iowa State University Extension Flood Resources Site at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/topic/recovering-disasters
