After the thunder and the lightning have passed, after the rain has stopped and the floods have receded, what is left?
The cleanup.
While Nashville and the middle-Tennessee area didn’t face anything close to what Hurricane Harvey did to the south coast, we did get our fair share of damage from the storm. A simple walk outside in the following days revealed the damage done, from fallen trees and downed power lines to water damage from flooding. There is a lot to be done, and city workers from various public works departments are overworked. It is for this reason that we here at the Parke Company also offer municipal services, such as clearing brush, cleaning up storm damage and helping to remove trees in emergency situations.
How to Pick Up After a Storm
Cutting Through the Confusion
There is a lot of confusion in the immediate days following a storm, which is why it pays to have someone help clear up some of that mess. Most cities will delay trash pick ups, or have more than the originally scheduled pick ups, as the city tries to clear away the debris. If you see a downed power line, make sure to notify the right authorities, and never, never touch it. You never know when a line is still active, and if there is still water around, even walking near it could be fatal. Since downed power lines are a focus in the wake of a massive storm, things like fallen trees tend to get forgotten, especially if they’ve fallen on your yard or in the lawn of your business. Tree removal is something that we here at the Parke Company are happy to help with, as it can be a tricky and dangerous endeavor without the right skills or tools.
Down the Drain (or Sewer)
One area that is definitely neglected is the impact leaves can have in the wake of a storm. It doesn’t seem like it would be an issue, but in areas with flash flooding, the sewer system is already overtaxed. Several yards worth of wet leaves create massive blockages, leading to more flooding and other problems. This is a good reason to always rake and bag your leaves. Even in the event of a storm, the professionals at the Parke Company will arrive at your home or business and make sure the leaves are safely disposed of. Similarly, gutters need to be cleared for the same reasons, as no one wants to have a leaky roof in the wake of a storm.
Storms can be terrifying; watching the sheer amount of power Mother Nature is capable of displaying can make one feel small. The cleanup afterwards is capable of causing these emotions as well. It doesn’t need to stay that way for long, however, and we here at the Parke Company will make sure that things return to normal as quickly as possible, and that the feelings of safety and relief come with them.