"Off the Clock" - Volunteering in Nashville
I recently visited Nashville to help with the cleanup and recovery efforts following the flooding that occurred there. Residents refer to the storms that caused the Nashville flooding as their “inland tsunami”. The aftermath of the floods has affected many of the city’s popular attractions and displaced thousands of people from their homes and jobs. I was shocked by the level of devastation, but amazed by all of the volunteers who arrived from all over the country to assist in any way they could.
For those affected by the recent flooding, the cleanup process is quite daunting. Because many residents do not have flood insurance, they have no choice but to do much of the work themselves. Their water-soaked homes must first be emptied of all furniture, carpet, flooring, and drywall. Insulation must be removed before repairs can begin. My time in Nashville was spent helping people move their belongings outside and preparing the homes for repair. I have absolutely no experience with home repairs, so I joined a team focused on gutting the homes. Until that day, I never knew how heavy wet carpet is or how well glue sticks on vinyl flooring!
I speak from experience when I say that these damp conditions are very difficult for allergy sufferers, particularly during the initial phases of cleanup. Masks and gloves should be worn to provide protection from mold, dust, and other contaminants. Using bleach is not recommended, as it may damage wood and some metallic surfaces. Products like Allersearch AllerMold and Vital Oxide Mold Remover and Disinfectant help disinfect surfaces without damaging them.
After cleanup and repairs are completed and residents are able to move back into their homes, dehumidifiers can be used to help regulate humidity and ensure healthier living conditions. If lingering odors are a problem, Gonzo Basement odor eliminator is a safe, non-toxic product that is extremely effective for eliminating musty odors.
It might sound strange to say that I enjoyed my day in Nashville, especially if you had seen (or smelled!) me that night when I got back to Atlanta; but it was one of the most rewarding Saturdays I’ve ever spent. However, recovery efforts in Middle Tennessee are ongoing and far from over.
For those affected by the recent flooding, the cleanup process is quite daunting. Because many residents do not have flood insurance, they have no choice but to do much of the work themselves. Their water-soaked homes must first be emptied of all furniture, carpet, flooring, and drywall. Insulation must be removed before repairs can begin. My time in Nashville was spent helping people move their belongings outside and preparing the homes for repair. I have absolutely no experience with home repairs, so I joined a team focused on gutting the homes. Until that day, I never knew how heavy wet carpet is or how well glue sticks on vinyl flooring!
I speak from experience when I say that these damp conditions are very difficult for allergy sufferers, particularly during the initial phases of cleanup. Masks and gloves should be worn to provide protection from mold, dust, and other contaminants. Using bleach is not recommended, as it may damage wood and some metallic surfaces. Products like Allersearch AllerMold and Vital Oxide Mold Remover and Disinfectant help disinfect surfaces without damaging them.
After cleanup and repairs are completed and residents are able to move back into their homes, dehumidifiers can be used to help regulate humidity and ensure healthier living conditions. If lingering odors are a problem, Gonzo Basement odor eliminator is a safe, non-toxic product that is extremely effective for eliminating musty odors.
It might sound strange to say that I enjoyed my day in Nashville, especially if you had seen (or smelled!) me that night when I got back to Atlanta; but it was one of the most rewarding Saturdays I’ve ever spent. However, recovery efforts in Middle Tennessee are ongoing and far from over.
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