Then came Rita, sticking the South West Louisiana Area where his son and grandchildren live. All this took a toll on the mind of the directors of MIUSA. They became determined to locate anything that would help in the future with the effects of dangerous molds. A school was set in place prior to the hurricanes with much preparation. All hands are on deck to educate the American people and prepare them on how to protect themselves from dangerous molds prior and after any disaster.

Hurricane Katrina was the costliest and one of the deadliest hurricanes in American history. It was the eleventh named storm, fifth hurricane, third major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, and was the sixth-strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded.Katrina formed over the Bahamas on August 23, 2005, and crossed southern Florida as a moderate Category 1 hurricane before strengthening rapidly in the Gulf of Mexico and becoming, at that time, the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Gulf. The storm weakened considerably before making its second landfall as a Category 3 storm on the morning of August 29 in southeast Louisiana.

It is possible that Katrina was the largest hurricane of its strength to approach the United States in recorded history; its sheer size caused devastation over 100 miles from the center. The storm surge caused major or catastrophic damage along the coastlines of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, including the cities of Mobile, Alabama, Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi, and Slidell, Louisiana. Levees separating Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, Louisiana were breached by the surge, ultimately flooding roughly 80% of the city and many areas of neighboring parishes. Severe wind damage was reported well inland. Katrina is estimated to be responsible for $75 billion (2005 US dollars) in damages, making it the costliest hurricane in U.S. history. The storm has killed at least 1,604 people, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since the 1928.

Johnson's Bayou is a small community on the Gulf Coast in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, United States, named after Daniel Johnson, who came to the area in around 1790. It is located on Louisiana Highway 82, 12 miles west of Holly Beach, and 28 miles southeast, across the Sabine Pass channel, of Port Arthur, Texas.

The Holleyman Bird Sanctuary is located in the community, and is south of the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Johnson's Bayou is home to four natural gas pipelines.

A house in Johnsons Bayou destroyed by Hurricane Rita

Hurricane Rita on September 24, 2005.

With Florida hit by seven hurricanes in 13 months and the Gulf states by two major storms in three weeks, residents and business owners have been struggling with rampant mold growth due to water intrusion from rain or flooding. Unfortunately, just cleaning mold may not be enough to keep it from regrowing, especially if humidity levels remain high, as is the case in the southeastern U.S. 

Mold spores are found everywhere in our environment - indoors and out - with over 1000 species of mold in the United States alone. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature by breaking down organic matter such as downed trees and fallen leaves, and we would not have some foods or medicines such as cheese or penicillin without molds. However, indoor mold growth should be avoided.

Mold can grow on virtually any surface as long as moisture, oxygen and an organic source are present. It can grow without sunlight and needs only moisture and the right temperature.

While the adverse effects of mold on public health are the subject of debate and research, it does present a serious problem for people who have respiratory problems such as allergies or asthma and immune-compromised individuals. Children and the elderly also may be at higher risk for adverse health effects from mold.

A number of newspapers across the south have reported that residents have returned to their homes and businesses after the recent hurricanes to find rampant mold growth due to floodwater and/or rain entering the structure due to wind damage. Mold can take hold within 24 to 48 hours after water damage occurs and without power and continuing high humidity, it can multiply rapidly, destroying materials such as drywall, wood, and fabrics.

Environmental specialists recommend cleaning and drying out properties as soon as possible to minimize mold growth. If the damage is extensive, the use of professional mold-remediation specialists is recommended. For insurance purposes, take photographs of damages prior to beginning clean up. However, it should be noted that many insurance policies either exclude or limit damages regarding mold infestation. This makes it important to begin clean up as soon as possible. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend removing all porous materials such as carpets, padding, ceiling tiles, drywall to at least 12 inches above the water line, insulation, paper and wood products from the structure. Allow the water- damaged areas to dry for two or three days. It is important to note that the sources of water infiltration, such as roof, wall or window damage, must be repaired to insure against additional moisture-related problems.

Use caution when cleaning and handling mold-contaminated materials as spores are easily released. Wear protective clothing, gloves and consider wearing a mask or respirator. Hard materials such as metal, plastic, glass or tile should be cleaned. Wall studs, sub-flooring, woodwork and concrete slabs must be cleaned before any reconstruction or remodeling. After cleaning and rinsing, disinfect the area with a solution of an EPA approved disinfectant. Do not use bleach to clean EVER. Air conditioners, fans and dehumidifiers can be used when power is restored to help dry areas after cleaning.

After all cleaned areas are dry, a mold and mildew preventative may be applied to most surfaces to prevent the re-growth of mold. There are several EPA approved products that have been extensively tested, both in the laboratory and in the field, and is EPA registered. Many dry clear and provides a protective film with long-term residual mold prevention capabilities. Interior. As with cleaning products, wear protective gear and carefully follow directions

In September 2003, the village of Black Rock, located on the Chowan River in eastern North Carolina, was devastated by a 12-foot storm surge generated by Hurricane Isabel. An approved EPA product was supplied to the community and was used extensively in the recovery process.

For detailed information on cleaning mold and storm remediation, visit www.epa.gov/mold or www.fema.gov.