Could Your Home Ever Be Deemed “Off Limits”?

October 8, 2008 started out like any other typical morning for Greg Sherwood of Portland, OR. He was preparing breakfast when he looked up and saw his neighbor, Kathy Hendrickson’s, home rushing towards him down the hillside. Greg was not the only one to notice this unfortunate event–evident by the rush of 9-1-1 phone calls that came into the local emergency dispatch office.

This and six other homes were destroyed by the event that started with just one house. These houses are now off limits to all seven families. It is speculated a leak in the first home’s water system led to the disastrous events. Preemptive measures have been taken to prevent more damage. At least six additional homes have also been evacuated and tarps were laid down over the exposed hillside in hopes to prevent more damage to the area. Temporary drainage systems were also built to re-route water to a more safe location to drain during the recent rainy weather.

Many community members in this area have open up their homes to their displaced neighbors and have provided meals, bought gift cards, and donated money to help with the unexpected costs of this disaster. The Portland Tribune reports the insurance companies have not yet paid for the claims and lawyers’ fees incurred are already astronomical. Click here for the complete story from this periodical and for information about how you can help these families.

In situations such as this, disaster recovery services can help salvage important items in your homes.
They can even help restore paper items that were affected by water and mold.