Miller Park flooded on June 19, 2009, causing water to spill into the stadium of the Milwaukee Brewers. The total dollar-amount of the losses is still being calculated. The lower level of the stadium became flooded after 6-feet of water accumulated on Miller Park Way during a storm.
Property damage to the stadium includes the areas of the concessionaires, property belonging to their custodial service, Johnson Controls, and the district. Almost 7,000 bobble-head dolls that were to be given away at Sunday’s game were all damaged. Fans will have to get this souvenir later, using a voucher that will be given away instead. Food items, paper products, and the electrical equipment were all affected by the rushing waters. While the food and paper products will have to be replaced, the electrical equipment has dried out and is in working condition. However, it is feared that the life of the equipment has been shortened because of premature rusting and wear-and-tear.
JSOnline reports that other items damaged within the lower level of the stadium include the drywall, carpeting, and two clubhouses. All of these items will have to be replaced to prevent mold damage.
After a wave of unusually high temperatures, a predicted thunderstorm blew through the western part of Oregon late Thursday afternoon. What was unpredicted was the severity of the storm and the damage it would cause in a matter of hours. As the skies suddenly darkened, rain began to pour and lightening crashed to the earth, splitting trees and even striking a 14-year-old boy that went outside to witness the storm.
Winds were clocked at as fast as 60 mph in some parts of state as residents were warned to stay indoors. Many funnel clouds were spotted and residents of the small town of Newberg swear a tornado made an uninvited visit to their neighborhood, prompting a visit from curious agents from the National Weather Service.
Parts of the Oregon capital, Salem, were underwater as the intense rainfall prompted flashfloods to rush the city. The water was so high in some parts of the city that it covered cars stalled by the flood. Homes and businesses were affected by the flooding and are now cleaning-up as a result of the water damage.
Oregon, being a naturally wet and rainy state, will have to focus on mold controlduring the flood clean-up. A Salem church affected by the flood waters called in flood restoration specialists that brought in water vacuums and special fans to help dry-out the building.
Residents of the northern and western parts of Illinois have braced themselves for the possibility of flood waters entering their homes. Rains that fell this week on Wednesday and Friday cause rivers to flood, sending water and mud on to roadways. The counties of Fulton and Knox have been hit the hardest.
The spring showers have overwhelmed many of the rivers in Illinois, which has caused the National Weather Service to issue several flood warning throughout the season.
When preparing for a flood, home and business owners can prepare by creating a plan. This plan should detail how to prepare one’s property for flood damage, including instructions on how to shut off water and electrical utilities. List important phone numbers in the emergency plan and the locations of important documents and valuable items. Keep an emergency/first aid kit with this plan and maps with evacuation routes so everyone knows where to meet up in the event of an evacuation. Also plan out what you are going to do in the event of a loss. Keep the phone number of your insurance agent and flood restoration specialist handy.
Governor Sarah Palin has issued a disaster declaration for parts of Alaska that have been affected by spring flooding. These areas include the Yukon, Kuskokwim, Kobus and Susitna rivers. Ice jams in the Yukon River have caused the flood levels to rise up to 34 feet above flood stage.
In Eagle, Alaska, large pieces of ice (some the size of houses) have destroyed as many as 10 homes and a couple of log cabins that were knocked-off their foundations floated down the river. Up to 16 restaurants and businesses have suffered flood damage and damage from the large pieces of floating ice. It is estimated that 30 people are now homeless as a result of the water damage.
When the ice jam in Eagle releases, it is expected to flow down to the city of Circle. A flood has been issued for the communities along the Yukon River and will remain in effect until Saturday.
Not all has to be lost to a flood. Wet documents and wet books can many times be recovered by a restoration specialist. Restoration specialists can also help dry buildings and other items to help prevent the damage that mold can cause as a result of the water damage.
The states of Minnesota and North Dakota are seeking volunteers, reports the New York Times, as the Red River continues to rise past flood stage.
The river is already 18 feet above flood-stage in North Dakota and is expected to rise above 40-feet past flood stage by the end of the week. Officials are expected to need 1.9 million sandbags to aid with flood damage prevention. The San Francisco Gate reports:
“Gov. John Hoeven issued a statewide disaster declaration to help activate state resources and pave the way for federal aid. He said he has asked for help from the Army Corps of Engineers.
…Tuesday’s blizzard and above-average snowfall over the winter has set the stage for the flooding.
…Cities along the river already have declared flood emergencies to free up resources for flood fighting. Fargo has been planning a dike to protect City Hall and has ordered pumps to shore up low-lying areas.”
A flood planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2009 at 8:00 am at Fargo City Hall Commission Chambers. Visit the City of Fargo website for more information. The site also features the latest information about the latest flooding.
Before the worst happens in a flood, families should prepare emergency disaster plans and kits. Kits should include food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a list of important phone number, etc. It is also recommended that each vehicle have an emergency kit in it at all times as well. Read more.
