FEMA finds mold in some of its manufactured homes

[dplummer]

FEMA finds mold in some of its manufactured homes
by wane.com

INDIANAPOLIS (WANE) - Updated:var wn_last_ed_date = getLEDate("Jul20, 2008 9:05 AM EST"); document.write(wn_last_ed_date); July 20, 2008 09:05 AM EDT -- While conducting routine maintenance of manufactured home units Saturday in Indiana, FEMA identified a substance suspected to be mold on the doors and door-jams of exterior water heater compartments in a number of the units sent to Indiana. Initial tests identified the substance as mold.

This problem concerns Indiana flood victims who are residing in 11 FEMA-provided manufactured homes with exterior water heater compartments.

FEMA believes the mold is isolated to the external water heater compartment. FEMA in close coordination with the State, has taken the following immediate action to protect the health and safety of housing applicants while further evaluating the situation and determining any additional steps:

* Continue to assess the situation through joint inspections with the State of Indiana.
* Inform applicants of the situation, and make available alternative forms of housing.
* Take quick action to address the problem, including cleaning up all existing mold.

The Indiana State Department of Health will be visiting each of the 11 occupied FEMA manufactured homes over the next few days to check for possible indoor mold issues.

"The mold found by FEMA is on the outside of the manufactured homes, so there does not appear to be an immediate health concern," said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. "The Indiana State Department of Health is working closely with FEMA to evaluate the manufactured home units, address any mold found, and ensure the continued health and safety of those living in those units."

FEMA and the State of Indiana will continue to keep applicants and the public apprised of actions taken in resolving this situation. FEMA regrets any hardship or inconvenience this may have caused residents who have already suffered losses in the devastating severe weather that caused them to leave their homes.

FEMA applicants who have concerns with their manufactured homes and/or wish to have other temporary housing may call the FEMA Helpline, 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), 7am to midnight (EST) seven days a week. FEMA's primary concern is the health and safety of applicants residing in FEMA-provided units. FEMA will continue to inform applicants and the public rapidly and often as more information is available.

FEMA and the State of Indiana have jointly undertaken these efforts and are in close coordination to remedy this current situation.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

In January when I was testing for Formaldehyde, I found mold in a FEMA trailer. It flunked the Formaldehyde testing, so I told the Safety Director it was good news because now we do not have to test for mold. He said that was a very positive way of looking at it, and that he was going to tell it to his boss just in that way.