Flooding could return if heavy rains persist

Town officials remained on high alert this week for continued flooding after another batch of heavy rain hit the region on Tuesday, dumping more than two inches of precipitation on already rain-soaked areas of the state.

Meanwhile, the lesson learned by Canton emergency agencies last week is that once the rains had stopped, the roadway problems did not, and according to DPW Superintendent Mike Trotta, flooding conditions could very well return later this week given the strength of the storm on Tuesday, March 23.

Last week, after nearly nine inches fell upon the region in a matter of four days, Canton motorists still had to weave between barrels, ponding, and detours for several days following the storm even though it was warm and sunny.

Trotta said town officials remained particularly concerned about Pleasant Street, which was shut down Friday afternoon through Sunday. He explained that while the rain had stopped, the drainage around the pond continued for several days, causing the water to rise to a level unacceptable to state dam engineers.

Trotta also gave a progress report on other trouble spots in town:

* The town of Westwood closed Dedham Street last week between Westwood and Canton because of the overflow of the Neponset River and brooks near the Grainger facility on University Avenue. Dedham Street was not reopened until Friday afternoon.

* The Bolivar Street dam held and remained in good shape after the town spent money on dam repairs a few years ago. But the dam within the Waterfall Hills residential complex, which is privately owned, broke and limited vehicle access to residents for a few days after last week’s storm. Twenty five residents within the complex were forced to relocate until the flooding subsided.

* Sandbags installed by the DPW prevented road washout of Washington Street around the area of Shepard Pond.

* Ponding was reported on Turnpike Street, especially in the vicinity of Dunkin Donuts and the Turnpike Café, as well as the old Canton airport on Neponset Street.

In his update of flood conditions issued Monday morning, March 22, Selectmen Chairman Sal Salvatori praised the work of the Canton Emergency Planning Committee, which included Fire Chief Charlie Doody, Police Chief Ken Berkowitz, Trotta, Town Administrator Bill Friel, Salvatori and committee chairman Frank LaBolitta.

“At this point, all roads are re-opened and all flooding is essentially abated,” Salvatori said. “We are working to provide to [the Mass. Emergency Management Agency] the costs associated with our response actions for potential, if any, emergency funding. Going forward, the only damage sustained was the privately owned dam at Waterfall Drive. Interim measures were taken by that property owner to stabilize the situation for the immediate term.

“Overall we are very fortunate to have the team in place that we do to have responded and reacted as professionally as they did to minimize the disruptions and damages this significant storm caused throughout the region. This is yet another testament to the quality and dedication of our team.”

Mold recognition and removal

According to MEMA, if a home has water damage as a result of flooding, mold could develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours of water exposure and may continue to grow until steps are taken to thoroughly dry out the premises and eliminate the source of moisture.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that mold can be recognized by wall and ceiling discoloration, and a musty, earthy odor.

Although mold is a naturally existing substance, it can be harmful to humans. When airborne mold spores are present in large quantities, they can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems. Continued exposure to mold may result in nasal or sinus congestion, eye, nose, or throat irritations, and adverse effects to the nervous system.

Individuals who are at the greatest risk are infants and children, the elderly, those with immune-compromised diseases, pregnant women, and those with existing respiratory conditions.

Below are some suggested steps to dry your home and combat health problems associated with mold:

If the humidity outside is lower than indoors, open up the house, and if the weather permits, open all doors and windows to exchange the moist indoor air for drier outdoor air. On the other hand, when temperatures drop at night, an open home is warmer and will draw moisture indoors.

Remove all wet furniture, contents and carpets or rugs. If you decide to keep them, they must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

 Using fans can help move the air and dry out the home. Be sure to clean or hose out any ducts. Do not use central air conditioning or the furnace blower if the ducts were under water.

Running dehumidifiers and window air conditioners will reduce the moisture, especially in enclosed areas.

Use desiccants (materials that absorb moisture) such as silica gel, which are very useful in drying closets or other enclosed areas where air cannot move through.

Tips to eliminate mold:

Most household cleaners will be good enough to cleanse walls and wood furniture. An alternative is a mixture of ¼ cup of liquid chlorine bleach for every gallon of water.

Be aware that wallpaper paste can harbor mold, and therefore wall coverings may have to be removed and replaced.

After cleaning a room or item, go over it again with a disinfectant to kill the germs and odors left by the floodwaters.

Drying your home could take several weeks. While it may seem that your house is safe from mold, your health may still be at risk because of the lingering effects of mold. When water damage infiltrates a structure, the long-lasting effects can be detrimental to the composition of the building. If you believe that your health has been affected by exposure to mold, you should contact your physician and have your house checked.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Mar 25 2010. Filed under News. Both comments and pings are currently closed.