Trish and Gordon Holmes are packing their bags and heading to Calgary.
The couple, who own the Red Deer franchise for PuroClean — a fire and water damage restoration company — will join their corporate counterparts from across Canada to help with the cleanup of the flood-ravaged city, and possibly other communities in the area.
“Anyone who can spare the time and equipment is coming in,” said Trish Holmes.
“We’re hoping for eight to 10 crews.”
Although most of the water has yet to recede, restoration crews should be able to begin working on the periphery of the affected area, and then slowly progress through the devastated area, she said.
“We’ve been told to expect three weeks solid, just basically going house to house.
“Then after that, we anticipate there will be work — for even just the emergency end — for probably a month and a half, two months.”
Norm Dubois, who owns Central Restoration & Renovation in Red Deer, said it’s too soon for most flood restoration companies to have been summoned to Calgary.
“Once things settle down, there will be calls probably for some of us to go there.”
But he plans to focus on the needs of clients in Central Alberta, an attitude that’s shared by Don McLeod, an owner of Red Deer Fire & Flood Ltd.
“We do feel for every one of those people down there, but by the same token we have to feel for local people in Red Deer,” said McLeod, explaining that his company is busy with work unrelated to the recent flooding.
He added that restoration work in Calgary, and other affected communities, is unlikely to begin in earnest until water levels have dropped significantly.
“Once that’s done, the adjusters can get in and see what kind of damage there is and whether it’s covered by insurance or not.”
The availability of insurance depends on the circumstances, said Steve Kee, director of media relations with the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
“We’re not aware of any coverage that covers overland flooding,” said Kee.
However, property owners may be eligible for compensation if their damage resulted from a sewer backup and there’s a water endorsement in their policy.
Holmes said she’s heard that some insurance companies will provide coverage under a water endorsement if a sewer backup preceded the arrival of surface water.
Kee declined to comment.
“I think that that’s best left to adjusters who would look at a situation and make a determination.”
Regardless of who pays the bill, it’s important to ensure the cleanup is done properly, said McLeod. That includes drying the premises and removing interior walls, flooring, insulation and everything else that’s came into contact with contaminated water.
“Overground water is considered contaminated as well,” pointed out Holmes, describing how it may contain chemicals like lawn fertilizer and motor oil.
“Then you have to look at secondary damage,” continued McLeod, explaining that high humidity levels can result in mould well away from the flooded area of a house.
In some instances, demolition and reconstruction is the best option. And that may be a common theme in High River, suggested Holmes.
“When you’re looking at a house where you can only see the roof, you know it’s most likely going to be a total loss.”
Dubois agreed.
“That’s a total disaster area. A lot of those homes will be torn down.”
Holmes cautioned against trying to clean a flooded home yourself.
“That tends to happen, and then a year later there are massive mould issues,” she said.
“My big concern is for people who may be coming back into homes that are damaged,” added Kee, citing problems like defective electrical systems and unsafe water.
Holmes also warned property owners to be on the lookout for inexperienced or unscrupulous contractors.
For those who escaped the effects of the flood, now would be a good time to review their insurance policies to ensure they know the extent of their coverage, said Kee. They might also want to look at their homes and decide if some possessions should be removed from the floor and even out of the basement.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com