[ back ]
Flash-flood damage worse than suspected
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - June 23, 2010)
Flash-flood damage worse than suspected
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Chester residents still are dealing with the aftermath of the flash flood that struck Memorial Day. But, they are much further ahead because of the help of volunteers.
Lori Sebulski, volunteer center specialist with United Way, said her agency and volunteer groups have been working with about 15 of the estimated 86 homes affected by the flooding.
While most of the cleanup work is completed, the recovery has hit a bit of a snag in terms of reconstruction for those homes, she said. She said the agency soon may be issuing a request for donations of drywall and flooring to help some of the families return to normalcy.
Initially, officials believed there may only be 10 to 15 homes that were affected by the flash floods that engulfed the township.
But, in the days that followed, many more began to filter in. She said the 86 were identified from those that registered with the county's 211 information telephone line as well as those that picked up a Red Cross flood kit at Town Hall.
Most of those affected were handling cleanups on their own, Ms. Sebulski said. Volunteers turned out to help those who were physically unable to tear out much of the damaged carpeting and drywall. The type of people who typically received volunteer help, she said, were the elderly, the disabled and single mothers.
In addition to seeking donations from the public, the agency is planning to seek state funding or grants to purchase the drywall and flooring needed.
She said some lost furniture and other personal items in the flood, but the majority of damage to homes was the drywall and flooring that were destroyed in minutes.
Only one family, on Mayfield Road (Route 322) has been unable to return to their home. Ms. Sebulski said the home has no walls or floors. She said a woman in the home had to jump out of a window when the water rose quickly.
"You don't realize the amount of damage that water can do," she said.
The couple's son has taken on the job of repairing the home and getting his parents back in. But, Ms. Sebulski said, the son is also in a waiting mode because of the lack of drywall and flooring.
Ms. Sebulski said the volunteer groups that have been there from day one for the families have been the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Bainbridge and the First Church Congregation of Painesville. She said the Methodist Disaster Volunteer group also sent two volunteers from Caldwell, Ohio, to help.
The Lord of Life church is staying on to help with reconstruction work, she said, but, again, is waiting for materials before the job can begin.
Ms. Sebulski said other volunteers are being lined up at this time to help when materials become available.
She said that registering is the most important thing a homeowner can do after being hit by a disaster. "That's a huge part of why we can respond so quickly," she said.
Ms. Sebulski said getting people to register is important also because it can make the difference in getting state financial assistance. "It shows a greater need," she said.
[ back ]
