MEMBERS RESPOND TO FLOOD

SEPTEMBER 2008
One of the harshest flooding situations in years caused extensive damage at the south end of Munster following unprecedented storms and the resulting impact of the Little Calumet River and levee breaches in an area of Munster. This area has flooded at various times over 30 years but seldom at this level. According to National Weather Service data, the river's level at the Munster-Hammond border increased from 6.5 feet at midnight August 13 to more than 14 feet by 9 a.m. Saturday, August 16. Flood stage is 12 feet.

Dozen's of IEC members were still working this weekend to restore service to the residents of this hard hit Munster neighborhood. FEMA was still establishing a base in the neighborhood as of Wednesday September 24. IEC Member trucks could be seen throughout the neighborhood which was littered with the remains of extensive flood damage. As end loaders hauled away garbage, many blocks were still closed to all but local travel.

Residents and aid workers could be seen washing down household items that could be saved but most homes had a good portion of their belongings on the curb.

According to Scott Evorik of Evorik Electric, "mostly we've been putting in panels which were ruined by the flooding. In some cases we've got power to the first floor but basements, while empty of water were left until later to be wired properly."
Don Hulsey of Hulsey Electric in Lowell stated that his crews were kept busy most of the week and expected to spend more time in the hard-hit area. Kevin McNulty, Executive Director estimated that anywhere from 6 to 8 IEC members had crews in the neighborhood on Wednesday, September 25. Representatives from Meyers who had crews in the area stated that while progress was slow, "people are starting to get back on their feet but it will be a long process."

Electrical contractors, plumbing and heating as well as flood damage recovering teams were throughout the entire area bracing humidity and long hours. IEC Member Don Hulsey indicated that members were averaging 10-12 homes completed per contractor as the week ending September 26 concluded.