In a rare November landfall, Hurricane Nicole leases flooding in her wake.
What does that mean for contractors?
There are immediate needs such as debris removal from falling trees and limbs. Every level of government is called to action to address the initial clean up requirements. For example, in Florida the Division of Emergency Management coordinates efforts via FloridaDisaster.org. Nicole is the latest recovery effort preceded by Ian, Sally, Dorian, Michael and other recent storms. Executive Order 22-255 initially declared a state of emergency in 34 counties, but was expanded quickly to 11 additional counties including Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hernando, Jefferson, Levy, Marion, Pinellas, Taylor, and Wakulla. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had previously approved an Emergency Declaration for Tropical Storm Nicole via FEMA Public Assistance Category B (emergency protective measures) for Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Taylor, Volusia and Wakulla counties, as well as the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. On November 10th, Governor Ron DeSantis expanded the order to cover every Florida county opening the state up to financial assistance. The widespread impact of coastal and river flooding, storm surge, rainfall, heavy winds, tornadoes, rip currents and beach erosion were felt statewide.
The impact of Nicole continued through Georgia where the states Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) coordinates response.
Typical contracts include Hotline Management (Call Centers), Damage Assessments, Debris Removal and Monitoring, Road and Bridge Repair, Roofing, Demolition, Erosion Remediation, Signalization Restoration, Marine Reconstruction and more.