Indoor Environmental Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, June 19, 2023

Hurricane season in the Atlantic and Caribbean officially began on June 1^st and continues through November 30^th. Scientists at Colorado State University are predicting 15 named storms, including 7 hurricanes for 2023. Three of those hurricanes are forecast to be major hurricanes.

Each year, hurricanes and tropical storms cause billions of dollars in property damage. Much of the damage is due to storm surge, wind damage and flooding. With this in mind, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reminds people that live in hurricane-prone areas to be ready and prepared for the annual hurricane season. NOAA encourages people to determine their personal hurricane risk, find out if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies.

If a hurricane or tropical storm is on its way, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people get their homes ready and offers the following tips:

• Clear the yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage the home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks and building material inside or under shelter.
• Cover up windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect windows. This can help keep people safe from pieces of shattered glass.
• Be ready to turn off the power. If there is flooding, downed power lines or one has to leave their home, switch the power off.
• Fill clean water containers with drinking water in case the water supply is lost during the storm. People can also fill up sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
• Check the carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery to prevent CO poisoning. 

“People also need to be ready and have a plan in place to respond to property damage after a storm has passed,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “For property owners and tenants that do sustain storm damage in their home or business, it’s important to be aware of a number of indoor hazards that may now be present. Floodwaters can introduce more than just water, it may contain sewage and chemicals. Even water damage from relatively clean water can allow for mold growth in as short as 48 hours. Many properties also still contain lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials. These can become aerosolized during cleanup, demolition and rebuilding.”     

With laboratories across North America, EMSL Analytical is positioned to help after any major natural disaster. Their laboratories identify exposure risks to mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals and other potential dangers. EMSL also offers sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about preparing a home for a hurricane that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/wxoW5DbMwcE 

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and sampling supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.   

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.