Disaster Recovery News

Photo by javacolleen

Four businesses in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle are recovering from damage caused by fire and smoke on the 23^rd of the month. These businesses include Green Bean Coffee House, Szechuan Bistro, C.C. Teriyaki and Pho Tic Tac. Nearby businesses suffered extensive damage from the nearby smoke and water from the rescue effort. Firefighters also took extra precautions and evacuated a nearby apartment complex.

The Green Bean Coffee House is a business that many are mourning. It is a nonprofit business owned by the Sanctuary Church, which holds services in the nearby Taproot Theater. The Green Bean was described to be inviting, comfortable and welcoming-so comfy that customers would often fall asleep in one of the big easy chairs provided. The church had to relocate its Sunday service due to the extensive water damage it suffered and damages intentionally caused to the building to keep the fire from spreading. However, fire crews tried to protect as much as they could in the offices of the Taproot by placing tarps over desks and electronic equipment. The Taproot, which also services as a community theater house, will hold some if its future performances at the Seattle Children’s Theater.

More on this story.

Are You Prepared? Is Your Business Prepared?

What would you do if your business went up in flames? Are you ready for an early morning call that tells you something is horribly wrong at the place that brings income to your family and the families of others? Fire restoration services can help pick up the pieces flames leave behind.

Many aren’t prepared. Learn how to make a business disaster plan before you wish you had.

On July 11, the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce announced the creation of an Adopt-A-Business Program aimed at providing flood damaged businesses a partner in their property and document recovery efforts. The participants will be given the practical and moral support needed as they start to rebuild and restore. Any individual or group not directly affected by the flood can choose to adopt a flood damaged business preparing to rebuild again in Cedar Rapids. There are no strict guidelines for participation. The paired businesses can decide how much involvement is needed or desired. Businesses have a lot to deal with when recoverying from a flood disaster. Things like working with a document restoration service, rebuilding structures, cleaning mold damage and putting in place flood prevention tactics for the future are all things that the business mentor can assist with.

To adopt a business or to sign up to get an adopting business contact Kelly Slaughter at the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at kslaughter@cedarrapids.org or 730-1417.