As residents and volunteers work around the clock to clean up their neigbourhoods in Calgary, there is no end of work and no end to the challenges either.
At an impromptu ‘crisis café’ in Sunnyside, cleaning supplies are going out and the situation is rapidly shifting.
The trash will soon be cleaned up and basements will be dry.
Now, the focus turns to disinfecting surfaces to ensure homes are free of mold, which can cause serious health problems.
“People are going to be using bleaches and disinfectants of that magnitude and it’s a must. Everybody’s got them out there – those chemical filter masks – and they’re going to need them,” says John Wheeler, a resident of Sunnyside.
However, along with an extra pair of hands, people in affected areas are simply looking for advice on rebuilding.
“Insurance consultants could help us out. We’ve had four turn-downs already on this block,” says Brian Castle.
Power is still the major choke point, with electricians working in sodden basements to inspect the connections, some of which have only been restored the day before.
“It’s a day’s work for most houses,” says Trevor Wilde with 4-Star Electric. “A little longer if you actually have to trace out wires and find out what’s in the basement.”
Many homes have their power only on for the upper floors, but anything is better than nothing.
“It’s heartening to see we’ve got this far,” says Simon Evans. “Definitely wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the volunteers.”
The City of Calgary is now asking any businesses to contact them if they require any help pumping water out of the basements of their establishments.
Business owners can call 311 or fill out a request form on their website.
The state of emergency continues in the city – it’s expected to be lifted on July 4.
