By Super Green Environmental — Licensed Mold Assessor #MRSA2418, serving Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, with a waiting list for the Florida Panhandle
Quick answer: If Hurricane Isaias got water into your home, the first 48 hours matter most. Get wet materials drying or out of the house, photograph everything before you throw it away, and have the home assessed if anything stayed wet longer than two days, smells musty, or got soaked by floodwater.
Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin on Friday night, October 9, as a Category 2 storm with 105 mph winds, and nearly 900,000 customers in Florida, Alabama and Georgia lost power (NPR). Because the Panhandle was already soaked from earlier rain, flooding is a bigger concern than usual. Officials warned that several rivers would crest over the following days (CNN).
When the wind dies down, the water damage is just getting started. Here’s what to do next.
Why the first 24–48 hours matter
According to the EPA, building materials and furnishings should be dried within 24–48 hours to avoid mold growth (EPA). Power outages make that hard. With no AC and no dehumidifier running, a closed-up Florida home stays humid, and wet drywall, carpet pad and cabinets don’t dry on their own.
The EPA also cautions that mold can grow even when materials are dried within 48 hours (EPA). Looking dry on the surface doesn’t mean the wall cavity behind it is dry.
Step 1: Make sure it’s safe to go back in
If you evacuated, wait until officials say your area is safe, and don’t re-enter if there’s structural, electrical or gas damage (EPA). Run generators outside and away from the house to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning (CDC).
Step 2: Document everything before you clean
Before you start cleanup, contact your insurance company and take pictures of the home and your belongings (EPA). Take photos of anything you throw out, too (CDC).
Good documentation includes:
- Wide photos of every affected room, then close-ups of water lines, stains and damaged materials
- A short video walkthrough with the date visible
- Photos of damaged items before they go to the curb
- Notes on when the water came in and how long things stayed wet
Step 3: Start drying right away
The CDC recommends these steps (CDC):
- Open doors and windows, and point fans so they blow air outdoors.
- Once electricity is safe to use, run fans and dehumidifiers (CDC).
- Throw out anything you can’t clean or dry quickly, such as mattresses, carpet and padding, upholstered furniture, and paper products.
- Remove drywall and insulation that got soaked by sewage or floodwater.
If you handle wet or moldy materials yourself, wear at least an N95 respirator, goggles and gloves, and never mix cleaning products (CDC).
Step 4: Know when to get an assessment
Plan on a professional mold assessment if:
- Materials stayed wet for more than 48 hours
- Floodwater (not just rain) came inside
- You smell something musty, even when you can’t see mold
- You see stains, bubbling paint or warped baseboards (see our guide to flooding and mold testing)
- Someone in the home has asthma, allergies or a weakened immune system. The CDC notes these people can be more sensitive to mold (CDC).
- You need clear, written documentation for an insurance claim
What a Super Green assessment includes
Super Green Environmental is a licensed, independent mold assessment company (Florida Mold Assessor #MRSA2418). Every assessment includes:
- Moisture mapping to find water that has spread into walls, floors and cabinets
- Infrared scanning to spot hidden wet areas without opening walls
- Lab-analyzed mold sampling, with an outdoor control sample for comparison
- An on-site inspection, which usually takes 45–90 minutes
- Lab results and a written report within 24–48 hours
We test and report. We don’t do or sell remediation, so you get an unbiased answer about what’s really going on in your home. Florida law backs this up: under Florida Statutes § 468.8419, a mold assessor may not remediate a structure it assessed within the previous 12 months. Learn more about what happens during a mold inspection and why testing and remediation should never come from the same company.
Panhandle homeowners: join our waiting list
We’re scheduling Panhandle assessments through a waiting list as field availability opens up. Visit our Hurricane Isaias mold assessment page for Pensacola and the Panhandle, or call 833-431-6653 to get on the list.
In Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach? Book your assessment here or call for a free phone consultation and quote.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a hurricane can mold grow?
Mold can start growing on materials that stay wet longer than 24–48 hours, which is why the EPA recommends drying within that window (EPA).
Do I need mold testing if I don’t see any mold?
Possibly. Mold often grows inside wall cavities, under flooring and behind cabinets. Moisture mapping, infrared scanning and lab sampling can find problems you can’t see. See our guide to hidden mold signs.
Should I clean up before or after the assessment?
Always document first. Start drying right away to limit damage, but take photos before you remove materials. If you suspect mold, an assessment before major demolition gives you a baseline record.
Why choose an independent assessor?
A company that both tests and remediates has a reason to find work for itself. An independent assessor’s only job is to give you accurate results.
How long does the report take?
Lab results and the written report are usually ready within 24–48 hours after the inspection.