One unique challenge presented by Hurricane Florence in the days and weeks following were debris piles on top of underground utilities. On numerous occassions, repairing an underground line first required that utility crews dig through flooded construction materials and a variety of household items to reach the repair site.

In communities like Fairfield Harbour, which was hardest hit by Hurricane Florence, it is difficult to find a debris pile location that doesn’t impact the utility right-of-way. Therefore, no real alternative may exist. Nevertheless, it was another reminder that all storms present their own unique challenges. In a full-blown disaster, we must temporarily make our way through both living and work conditions that make even the most routine activities more difficult.

Because communities rely on heavy equipment operators to remove debris piles, you should also consider the presence of overhead power lines and the clearances needed to safely lift and remove the items. Take into consideration guy-wires and poles as well.