Industry folks helping industry folks

The response to summer storms in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa region shows just how folks in the manufactured housing industry tend to look out for each other and help when necessary.

In early August Cedar Rapids was hit with a Derecho (an intense and fast-moving windstorm) where winds reached hurricane levels of over 100 miles per hour.  According to local weather forecasts, the wind was the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane. Although many manufactured homes in the area sustained damage, proper installation using tie-downs prevented total destruction. In fact, one report stated that the manufactured homes in the area fared much better than the site-built stick homes.

However, the impact of the storm subjected millions of people to wide-scale utility disruptions. When the Derecho hit, the ABT Water crew was finishing the installation of water meters in El Paso, Texas.  They were planning to head to their next job in Bangor, Maine. But once they heard of the damage in Iowa, the ABT Water team switched directions and headed to Iowa to provide assistance to several of their clients that were hit hard by the storms.  

This video documents the damage and clean up efforts, but the recovery is still in the early stages.  Beyond government assistance, the parks owners and residents are working to reset hundreds of homes that have been moved or displaced from their foundation.  

For more information on how you can help with the cleanup, contact the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association.