Are you protected against mold?

Mold is a fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors in warm, damp and humid conditions. Mold damage can occur in your home in places where water routinely sits for more than 24 hours, and most people don't think about it until it's too late. For some people, mold exposure can result in a stuffy nose, wheezing or red and itchy eyes or skin. People who have asthma or allergies to mold may have more severe reactions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to help decrease mold exposure.

• Keep humidity levels in your home at less than 50%. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help, and you can purchase a meter to help monitor your home's humidity level.
• Promptly fix leaky roofs, windows and pipes so mold doesn't have moisture to grow.
• Thoroughly clean and dry your home within 24-48 hours after flooding.
• Ventilate your shower, laundry and cooking areas.
• If you find mold growth, clean the surface with mold-killing products.

You may want to consider adding extra insurance protection, also known as an endorsement, against mold through your homeowners policy. Contact your Horace Mann agent to talk about mold and other endorsements that will help give you peace of mind and the protection you deserve.