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Call us (877) 451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Birmingham, AL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Highlands College in Birmingham to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Birmingham, AL is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Birmingham. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Vulcan Park and Museum in Birmingham, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Birmingham.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Birmingham, AL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Danberry at Inverness in Birmingham for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Birmingham, AL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Birmingham?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Avondale Park in Birmingham. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 20 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Birmingham, AL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Birmingham restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Birmingham, AL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Birmingham, AL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Birmingham, AL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Galley Garden in Birmingham. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Birmingham rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Birmingham, AL
4 new openings + 4 closures in Birmingham, including a new downtown bourbon bar
Grace Howardhttps://bhamnow.com/2024/09/30/4-new-openings-4-closures-in-birmingham-including-a-new-downtown-bourbon-bar/
September was full of exciting new businesses in The Magic City, and we can’t wait to see what October brings.From a new bourbon bar in the heart of downtown to a unique new sports bar coming soon to Homewood, check out these new businesses around Birmingham.Plus, join us in saying goodbye to four local businesses we’re sad to see go....
September was full of exciting new businesses in The Magic City, and we can’t wait to see what October brings.
From a new bourbon bar in the heart of downtown to a unique new sports bar coming soon to Homewood, check out these new businesses around Birmingham.
Plus, join us in saying goodbye to four local businesses we’re sad to see go.
Sloan’s, a new cocktail bar specializing in an elevated bourbon experience, officially opened its doors on 2nd Ave N on Tuesday, September 24.
Founded by the team behind Bistro 218 and Bocca Ristoriante, Sloan’s is a new establishment where both connoisseurs and casual drinkers can explore the rich world of bourbon in a refined, welcoming atmosphere.
(Psssst… Get an exclusive tour of Sloan’s with Bham Now on Instagram)
A new all-purpose travel center opened earlier this month at the busy Finley Boulevard exit off I-65 in Birmingham.
Speedway, one of the nation’s largest convenience store chains, is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The Birmingham restaurateurs behind NOLA Ice-Broad St Peaux Boys at the Pizitz Food Hall are opening a new sports bar in Homewood.
Kelli Caulfield and London Jackson plan to open Do Not Disturb, an elevated sports bar located just off Lakeshore Parkway near Lowe’s. The new space will be the perfect place to sit back and watch games, have a beer or cocktail and enjoy creative dishes.
The largest bank in the country is planning to open a new branch in Mountain Brook next year.
Chase Bank, the consumer and commercial division of JP Morgan Chase & Co., will be constructing a new location in the heart of the Lane Parke development. The site is the former home of local real estate firm Ray & Poynor, whose building caught fire overnight and suffered catastrophic damage in 2022.
Red Robin permanently closed their The Pinnacle location in Trussville.
Known for its gourmet burgers and bottomless fries, the departure of the Birmingham location leaves the Red Robin with only two remaining restaurants in Alabama–Montgomery and Huntsville.
Wild Roast Cafe in Hoover is closing its doors after nearly 6 years, according to social media posts from the cafe.
Named Hoover’s Best Coffee in 2023, Wild Roast specializes in craft lattes, scrumptious breakfast bites and lunch options. Go grab a coffee before they’re gone for good!
Ghost Train Brewing Company—a local brewery and Birmingham favorite founded in 2014—has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and shutting its doors permanently.
The longtime brewery is responsible for iconic local craft beers like the Kaleidoscope Kettle Sour, the Gulf Coast IPA and the Allurium Double IPA.
Urban Smoke Bar & Grill has closed its location in Fairfield.
However, this may not be the end for Urban Smoke. Owner Draper Mason is on the lookout for a new space to reopen the popular eatery and sports hangout in the future.
Did we miss anything? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!
Alabama singer earns praise from ‘spirit-driven’ Snoop Dogg in preview for ‘Voice’ audition
Mary Colurso | mcolurso@al.comhttps://www.al.com/life/2024/09/alabama-singer-earns-praise-from-spirit-driven-snoop-dogg-in-preview-for-voice-audition.html
Another Alabama singer is ready to make her mark on “The Voice,” and we’re betting that she aces her Blind Audition for celebrity coaches Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani and Michael Buble.Lauren-Michael Sellers, a former Birmingham resident who lives ...
Another Alabama singer is ready to make her mark on “The Voice,” and we’re betting that she aces her Blind Audition for celebrity coaches Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani and Michael Buble.
Lauren-Michael Sellers, a former Birmingham resident who lives in Nashville, has confirmed on social media that she auditioned for the NBC reality series during Season 26. Viewers haven’t seen her initial performance on TV yet — the season made its debut on Sept. 23 — but Sellers is briefly featured in a promo video for “The Voice,” evidently responding to praise from Snoop.
“The singer that comes out and touches my spirit, that’s the one I’m going to hit the buzzer for,” Snoop says in the video, after noting that he and McEntire are “spirit-driven.” A smiling Sellers nods at Snoop’s words and says “Thank you.”
Although the video doesn’t offer ironclad confirmation that Sellers makes it onto a team this season — or even firm evidence that Snoop turned his chair around during her audition, signaling that he wanted her on his team — it’s a very good sign. Several more Blind Audition episodes are scheduled in the coming weeks — including an episode that airs on Monday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. CT — and we know Sellers will be featured on one of them. (Early episodes of the season are filmed in advance.)
READ: 5 Alabama singers who excelled on ‘The Voice’ (and why we loved them)
Sellers already has earned a confidence from mjsbigblog, a popular fan site for reality TV. On Sept. 23, the site named her as one of “15 singers to watch” in a contestant preview for Season 26 of “The Voice.”
“Lauren-Michael Sellers is a Nashville based pop country singer-songwriter from Birmingham, Alabama,” writer Blake Busch said. “Like many other recent singing show alums, she has been a part of the viral music social media page, Songhouse, who just released her latest upbeat pop song titled ‘Take Me Back.’ Her voice has a lot of power behind it with a unique storytelling quality to it.”
Moreover, anyone who’s followed the Birmingham music scene over the past 10 years or so can bear witness to Sellers’ strong, expressive voice and talent for songwriting.
The artist, now in her 30s, was the lead singer and primary songwriter of The Heavy Hearts, a folk-rock trio formed in Birmingham in 2013. The band’s debut album, “Keep Your Light On,” was released in May 2014. Along with Sellers, The Heavy Hearts featured guitarist Zac Baldwin and percussionist Brian Hippensteel.
Songs on the album included “The Boy From Iris Glenn,” “Georgia Grown,” “Hearts to Bend” and the title track.
The Heavy Hearts performed at Birmingham venues such as WorkPlay, Bottletree Cafe, Moonlight on the Mountain, Iron City, The Nick and The Red Cat during the timeframe of 2013-2016. The trio also filmed a 2014 episode for the concert series “AfterHours: Live From The Red Cat Birmingham” on Alabama Public Television.
“Music is the only thing that I’ve ever had that allowed me to be myself, sort of a sanctuary,” Sellers told AL.com in 2014. “It’s one of those things that’s not a choice. I can’t stop it.”
At the time, Sellers said her experiences helped to shape the lyrics, exploring family strife, personal resilience and the power of faith.
“We are Christians,” Sellers said. “For me, that is a huge reason I’m able to be the person I am today. Faith is definitely one of the important things for us.”
Sellers, a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, earned a master’s degree in education at the University of Montevallo. According to her LinkedIn profile, she worked as a behavior specialist and collaborative educator for Birmingham City Schools for several years.
On her Instagram page, Sellers describes herself as “Georgia Grown” and “Birmingham Forged,” with a pin emoji to indicate her current home in Nashville. She’s released singles as a solo artist, including “Fallin’ All In,” “Take Me Back,” “Holding Out Hope,” “The Shelf” and more. Sellers describes her music on Instagram as the “Powerhouse Sound of Heartbreak.”
As a hopeful on “The Voice,” Sellers is following in the footsteps of Asher HaVon, the Selma native who won Season 25 as a member of Team Reba. HaVon, a soul singer, is the first Alabama contestant to score a win on the series during its 13-year history. McEntire championed her protege throughout the season, and the two shared a big hug when HaVon was announced as the winner.
Although HaVon’s win was a milestone for his home state, more than 30 contestants from Alabama have made their marks on the show over the years, starting with Nakia Reynoso in Season 1 and continuing through Season 25.
Four singers from Alabama have competed in “The Voice” finals during previous seasons, finishing in third or fourth place. D. Smooth, an R&B singer from Birmingham, took third place during Season 23 in 2023. Dexter Roberts, a country singer from Fayette, was the third-place finisher during Season 16 in 2019. Kirk Jay, a soulful country crooner from Bay Minette, took third place on Season 15 in 2018. Red Marlow, a country singer from Rogersville, was the fourth-place finisher on Season 13 in 2017.
If you watch: “The Voice” airs at 7 p.m. CT on Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC. The series also streams on Peacock. Early episodes in the season are filmed in advance. This week, the show will only air on Sept. 30, making way for the vice-presidential debate on Oct. 1.
Water rescue teams from Central Alabama assist with recovery efforts in North Carolina
Shannon Delcambrehttps://www.wvtm13.com/article/emergency-crews-from-alabama-doing-searches-in-north-carolina-after-helene/62432105
, N.C. —Rescue crews from several Alabama fire departments are in North Carolina, helping with search-and-rescue efforts.Sean Kendrick, Calera fire chief, said his crew has joined rescuers from Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Prattville and Mobile."While the teams were en route, they were notified that they would be flown in because the area they're working in was inaccessible," Kendrick said. "All the roads were flooded or washed out, and all the bridges were washed out, so ...
, N.C. —
Rescue crews from several Alabama fire departments are in North Carolina, helping with search-and-rescue efforts.
Sean Kendrick, Calera fire chief, said his crew has joined rescuers from Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Prattville and Mobile.
"While the teams were en route, they were notified that they would be flown in because the area they're working in was inaccessible," Kendrick said. "All the roads were flooded or washed out, and all the bridges were washed out, so the National Guard flew them in on Chinook helicopters."
Their base is in Flat Creek, North Carolina. This is in Buncombe County and is located near Asheville.
The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service also reported on Sept. 29 that three of their personnel are in Asheville, North Carolina, and continue assisting in rescue efforts.
The department requested prayers for its members and those in the area who have lost family members and all their belongings.
Previous story: Alabama fire departments send rescue crews to hurricane stricken areas
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Prattville Fire Department
According to Calera's fire chief, this mission has taken an emotional toll on his crew.
"I've had a chance to speak with some of my guys that are deployed now and they're working hard," Kendrick said. "It's an emotional impact on them because they're dealing with loss of life, they're dealing with loss of property, and just dealing with a lot of folks that are really hurting right now."
These crews are expected to return home around Sunday, Oct. 6.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Helene relief efforts are underway at Oneonta Fire Department and Irondale Fire Department.
Some items needed are bottled water, cleaning supplies, hand tools, baby supplies and more.
You can drop items off at the Oneonta Fire Department or Allgood Town Hall Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. The deadline to give is Friday, Oct. 4.
Irondale Fire Department's drive lasts until Sunday, Oct. 6.
You can drop donations off at Irondale Fire Station 1, 2 or 3. They'll also be accepted at the Irondale Fire Department Administration Building.
Around the country: National coverage from WVTM 13
Comeback Town: Birmingham booster struggles with mass shooting
David Sherhttps://www.al.com/opinion/2024/09/comeback-town-birmingham-booster-struggles-with-mass-shooting.html
This is an opinion columnClick here to sign up for our newsletter.“Birmingham booster struggles with mass shooting.”Well, you guessed it.I’m that Birmingham booster.I’m that guy that who writes columns and gives speeches promising a better future for Birmingham.But after the ...
This is an opinion column
Click here to sign up for our newsletter.
“Birmingham booster struggles with mass shooting.”
Well, you guessed it.
I’m that Birmingham booster.
I’m that guy that who writes columns and gives speeches promising a better future for Birmingham.
But after the mass shooting in Five Points South, where am I?
Where are you?
I’ve walked the streets of Five Points South hundreds of times.
I’ve been there with my wife,
I’ve been there with my children and grandchildren.
Many of you have done the same.
So how do we stay safe?
How do we keep our families safe?
Avoiding Five South is not going to guarantee our safety.
Avoiding the City of Birmingham is not going to guarantee our safety.
Criminals with guns don’t exclaim, “I’m about to leave the city limits of Birmingham, I better turn around.”
I live in Vestavia Hills, but I can’t live my life never leaving my city.
But staying in my city may not be safe either. It’s been two years since the mass shooting at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills that resulted in three deaths.
When I’m out-of-state, and people ask me where I’m from, I don’t say I’m from Vestavia Hills. I say I’m from Birmingham.
You do the same.
You don’t say you’re from Mountain Brook.
You don’t say you’re from Homewood.
You don’t say you’re from Hoover.
You’re from Birmingham.
To the rest of the world, we are all from Birmingham.
Whether we like it or not, people judge us for living in Birmingham.
This makes it difficult for us to recruit thriving companies.
This makes it difficult for our businesses to recruit talented employees.
I gave a speech last week at The Club about the future of Birmingham.
There were about forty people in the audience from our Birmingham region, but only one lived in the City of Birmingham.
Only 17% of the population of our Birmingham-Hoover metro area live in the City of Birmingham.
Birmingham’s population is shrinking.
It would not be good if everyone moved out of the city of Birmingham.
It would not be good if everyone quit going into Birmingham.
Some folks may say I’m being hypocritical for not living in Birmingham. But for everyone to move into Birmingham is not the solution.
We must understand that we are in this together and that what happens in Birmingham has a major impact on our lives.
We all chose to live outside the city limits of Birmingham so we get no vote and no say so.
This does not absolve us of the consequences.
This is not just a Birmingham problem.
This is an ‘all of us’ problem.
David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. He’s past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).
Click here to sign up for our newsletter. (Opt out at any time)
Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. dsher@comebacktown.com .
Helene brings tropical downpours and winds to east Alabama, through Friday afternoon
Jason Simpsonhttps://www.wvtm13.com/article/helene-hurricane-alabama-path-forecast/62350454
TRACKING THE STORM | MAPS AND MODELS | WVTM 13 LIVE DOPPLER RADAR | ...
TRACKING THE STORM | MAPS AND MODELS | WVTM 13 LIVE DOPPLER RADAR | HOW TO GET WEATHER ALERTS | UPLOAD YOUR WEATHER PHOTOS
Helene will impact Alabama Friday in the form of wind and some heavy rain. Conditions improve through the afternoon and into this weekend. Check the video forecast for the latest.
HURRICANE HELENE: ALABAMA IMPACTS
The heaviest rain and strongest wind gusts (20-40 miles per hour) will occur over the eastern part of the state: especially near and east of US Highway 431 from Huntsville to Gadsden, Anniston, and Roanoke.
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Wind Advisory in Effect Until 10 PM CDT Friday
What: West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
Where: Blount, Calhoun, Clay, Etowah, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Talladega Counties.
Including the cities of Moody, Columbiana, Sylacauga, Pelham, Oneonta, Pell City, Birmingham, Talladega, Ashland, Gadsden, Anniston, Alabaster, and Hoover.
When: Until 10 PM CDT Friday
Impacts:
WVTM 13
Flash Flood Watch in effect Until 7 AM CDT Friday
What: Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.
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Where: A portion of central Alabama, including the following counties:
A large part of Central and West Alabama will see little to no rain at all on Friday and Friday night, but it will be blustery all day and into the evening.
For the latest Birmingham weather information and Central Alabama's certified most accurate forecast, watch WVTM 13 News.
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