Free “Muck-out” and Mold Remediation Training

Hundreds ofBergen County homes experienced severe flooding from Hurricane Sandy.  There are still homes that need removal of walls, flooring and other debris to prevent the growth of dangerous mold.

This clean out is proving to be a daunting task, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities, so volunteers are needed to complete this work.

There will be a Muck-out Training session on Tuesday, March 12^th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Central UnitarianChurch, 156 Forest Avenue in Paramus. The goal for this training is to ensure that all work will be done safely, correctly and effectively.  To reserve a spot at the training, call Tess at the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, 201-489-9454, Ext. 114, or emailttomasi@bergenvolunteers.org.

The instructors for this training workshop will be Dale and Jean Peercy, nationally known at the “Go-to Folks” for rebuilding in long term disaster recovery. Serving as the construction and volunteer coordinators for Lutheran Disaster Response, the Peercy’s have directed nearly 100,000 volunteers in multiple disasters across the US.

The Muck-out Training will cover such topics as how to properly clean out a home after a storm/flooding; health and life safety issues (mold, cleaning solutions, etc.); debris separation, handling and disposal; proper communication and interaction with homeowners.

            Attendees of the Muck-out training will become Project Leaders for the Bergen Muck-Out Day, on Saturday, March 30^th, at various locations in Moonachie and Little Ferry, the hardest hit towns.   Each Project Leader will be assigned a team of volunteers to perform the necessary removal of debris, to allow families to return home without fear of respiratory distress or infection.

            Hundreds of volunteers will be needed on March 30^th.  To sign up, call Dave Skoblar of Project 195 at 1-888-410-5122 or email info@project195.org.

            Muck-out work is not appropriate for individuals under the age of 18, or individuals with health conditions such as asthma, heart complications or bone/joint pain.

            The Muck-out Training session is sponsored by the Bergen County Volunteer Agencies Active in Disaster (VOAD) Long Tern Recovery Committee.  This is a consortium of community organizations that have banded together to bring relief to residents affected by Hurricane Sandy.  The group is coordinated by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County.