While most of the country has moved on to the next story in the news or back to the usual hustle of their busy lives, there is a whole section of the country who woke up this morning at a neighbors or relatives house because their house was uninhabitable. Many people had to return to work this morning without knowing if their house was going to be replaced and when. As the flood waters from Harvey recede, we are left with the sobering reality that we are all just one natural disaster away from being homeless.
Living in the South, nature has a tendency to remind us that it is in control whenever we are not paying attention. The sad truth is that no matter how much we prepare for the worst, we can never be prepared for everything. As the recover begins it is important to remember that this years hurricane season has just not hit its peak. The task in front of us seems so big individually, and the prospect of recovery seems impossible, but it is important for all of us to get involved in helping. This can happen in so many ways; it could be a small donation through your church or to one of the many reputable relief funds, or it could be donating your time or property to the cleanup effort. Whatever you decide to do, no matter how big or small, be a part of the solution.
The pictures in this blog did not come from the internet, they were sent to me from an employee in Houston; we are all connected to this destruction in some way. The more people that get involved, the more successful the recovery will be.
Many of our job sites were flooded and are in dire need of repair; businesses need to get repairs done quickly so that people can get back to work. HEB grocery chain, who has been an active part of the recovery effort, lost several stores. One store that we recently finished was covered by 7′ of water when the flood gates were opened from a nearby lake. They, like many other retailers, are trying to get damaged stores open quickly to service the devastated area.
Now is the time as a contractor to do things the “Right Way”. Keep your own people in mind when you decide how to operate; your employees take their ques from the company’s leadership. In a time where contractors will be “flooding” in to take advantage of the situation, local contractors have to stay focused on their customers and not fall prey misguided efforts that take advantage of people. Treat your customers right and they will stay with you when times aren’t tough; when they have a choice.
Even though this was an epic storm, don’t forget that there is another storm right behind it; Contractors need to use this as a lesson about how to keep equipment and people safe. Contractors need to use this as a learning experience to never let our guard down. If we are not able to mobilize quickly to help our customers, then we are of no use to them. We need to be in a position to help and not to be victims ourselves.
Moral: To be a “Part of the Solution – you need to stay focused on your moral compass and be prepared when disaster hits; you may be called upon. You will gain customers that will stay with you long after the recovery if you treat them right.
**Future blogs will include remediation and cleanup: “Lessons Learned” **
Resin Adviser 
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