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TruRenu

Ed Davenport
5395 Sugarloaf Parkway Suite 300 Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Contractor's Bio

Water Damage Restoration in Columbus, GA

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 The Ohio State University in Columbus 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 Columbus, GA 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 Columbus. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.

Disaster Review

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:

insurance claim process
Navigating the insurance claim process

We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.

quality completion
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:

safety and health

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.

assessment

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.

expenses

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.

structural

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

Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.

You might also be thinking
might also be thinking
Minimizing

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.

trustworthy

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

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.

updates

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.

involved

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

At Disaster Response, It's All About You

Like Ma Rainey House in Columbus, 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 Columbus.

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

number-one

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.

number-two

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.

number-three

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.

Disaster-Response Difference
Disaster Owner

Ed Davenport

TruRenu

Disaster Response Introducing TruRenu: The Premier Choice for Emergency Clean-Up**

At Disaster 911, we're elevating the standard with ( TruRenu ), our trusted go-to contractor for emergency clean-up services. While others may settle for the status quo, ( TruRenu ) takes an innovative approach to restoration.

From water and fire damage to mold remediation, ( TruRenu ) doesn't just follow industry norms-they set new ones. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that ( TruRenu ) exceeds expectations, delivering cutting-edge solutions for your emergency needs.

When you choose Disaster 911 and ( TruRenu ), you're opting for a dynamic partnership that prioritizes effective, next-level recovery. Don't settle for the ordinary-when disaster strikes, choose the best in emergency response.

5395 Sugarloaf Parkway Suite 300 Lawrenceville, GA 30043

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Guide-Water-Damage.png

Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Columbus, GA

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 The Woodlands of Columbus in Columbus 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 Columbus, GA, 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 Columbus?" 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:

Investing-damage

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.

specialized training

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

disasters happen quicker

Time

Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Goodale Park in Columbus. 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.

significant investments

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.

helping with water damage

Process

For over 40 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

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 Columbus, GA, 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 Columbus Historic District in Columbus, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response Fix

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 Columbus 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

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

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

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.

Generators

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.

Xtractor

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 Columbus, GA, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:

Clean Water Damage

Clean Water Damage

Clean

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

Gray-Water

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

Black Water Damage

Black-Water

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:

Stop the Source of Water
  • 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 Columbus, GA

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.
Disaster Response Fix

The Water Damage Company in Columbus, GA, 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 The Refectory Restaurant in Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus, GA

Columbus dodges severe effects from Hurricane Helene. Here’s where roads closed, trees fell

READ MOREWeather officials upgraded Tropical Storm Helene to a Hurricane Wednesday, September 25, 2024. There are hurricane watches, tropical storm watches and flood watches in effect across nearly all of Georgia until Friday, September 27.Expand AllOn a scale of 1-10, Columbus emergency management Director Chance Corbett was bracing for Hurricane Helene to hit the area as an 8-10 storm when Thursday night became Friday morning.City officials prepared to respond to the predicted potential of ...

READ MORE

Weather officials upgraded Tropical Storm Helene to a Hurricane Wednesday, September 25, 2024. There are hurricane watches, tropical storm watches and flood watches in effect across nearly all of Georgia until Friday, September 27.

Expand All

On a scale of 1-10, Columbus emergency management Director Chance Corbett was bracing for Hurricane Helene to hit the area as an 8-10 storm when Thursday night became Friday morning.

City officials prepared to respond to the predicted potential of catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene. After all, it had strengthened to a Category 4 storm as it approached the Big Bend in Florida, and weather forecasters estimated Columbus would be in its path.

But around 6 a.m., when the storm had departed the local area after taking a more easterly direction through Georgia, Corbett breathed a sigh of relief. He said the effects of Hurricane Helene on Columbus amounted to a 1 on that scale of 1-10.

“We’ve had worse severe thunderstorms,” he told the Ledger-Enquirer.

Corbett said he received no reports of injuries or significant damage from the storm overnight in Columbus.

Parts of three city roads were closed overnight, Corbett said:

Trees fell along four more roads, but closures weren’t required, Corbett said: Lindsay Drive, Chesley Drive, Berkley Avenue and College Drive.

As of 7 a.m., the Georgia Power outage map showed 320 customers out of 89,481 without power from 15 outages. But in the far northeast part of Muscogee County, around Williams Road, 2,479 out of 2,705 Diverse Power customers were without power.

Nonetheless, Corbett was grateful for the relatively benign circumstances.

“We were very nervous that Columbus was going to be inundated with flooding, inundated with trees down, road closures, power outages,” he said. “We do have some of that, but, honestly, it was a breath of fresh air that we avoided any major damage.

“People can get up and go to work this morning. It’s amazing. We thought we were going to be out clearing streets most of the day, and we’ve avoided that. It’s a very big relief for us.”

By midday, Corbett texted the following update to the Ledger-Enquirer:

Cooper Creek Park is closed due to flooding, Corbett said.

Two fallen power poles were seen in the park as well.

Alta Vista Drive resident LaTasha Cloud was relieved Friday morning that Hurricane Helene didn’t cause more grief in Columbus.

Cloud expressed frustration that her power still hadn’t been restored when the Ledger-Enquirer interview her around 9:45 a.m. Friday after it went out around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, but she still was grateful the situation wasn’t worse.

The length of the power outage caused the food she had in the refrigerator to spoil, Cloud said. Her children, including one recovering from surgery, spent the night at their grandmother’s home to be safer and more comfortable. And the stretch of Forrest Road from Sheffield Drive to Martha’s Loop still was blocked off while a crew worked to restore the power after a pine tree fell and a power pole was snapped in half.

But, after she noted her friends in South Carolina lost their house when the roof caved in from the hurricane, Cloud had a brighter perspective.

“Beyond grateful,” she said. “I won’t complain. I just want my power back on.”

This story was originally published September 27, 2024, 7:22 AM.

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

706-576-6272

Ledger-Enquirer staff writer Mark Rice covers education and other issues related to youth. He also writes feature stories about any compelling topic. He has been reporting in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley for more than a quarter-century. He welcomes your local news tips and questions.

Hundreds of personnel deployed in Georgia as Hurricane Helene becomes a Category 4 storm

READ MOREWeather officials upgraded Tropical Storm Helene to a Hurricane Wednesday, September 25, 2024. There are hurricane watches, tropical storm watches and flood watches in effect across nearly all of Georgia until Friday, September 27.Expand AllHundreds of personnel across multiple agencies have been deployed in Georgia ahead of Hurricane Helene, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp reported in a Thursday news conference.The storm became a Ca...

READ MORE

Weather officials upgraded Tropical Storm Helene to a Hurricane Wednesday, September 25, 2024. There are hurricane watches, tropical storm watches and flood watches in effect across nearly all of Georgia until Friday, September 27.

Expand All

Hundreds of personnel across multiple agencies have been deployed in Georgia ahead of Hurricane Helene, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp reported in a Thursday news conference.

The storm became a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center, as it neared landfall in Florida.

Kemp requested a pre-impact emergency declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday, he said, and it was granted Thursday morning. The declaration will help get more resources wherever they need to go across the state.

Helene’s size, with a wind field of about 500 miles, makes responding to this hurricane different from storms in the past.

“Instead of deploying a bunch of resources to one part of the state like we normally would do before a storm, we’re expecting to have to deal with debris fields in all parts of the state,” Kemp said.

There have been 250 members of the Georgia National Guard called up, he said, and the state may call up to 500 as needed.

From the Department of Natural Resources, 120 ranger teams, seven task force teams and 24 strike teams have also been called in to respond to needs like clearing roads, conducting water rescues, provide security and deliver critical supplies.

The Department of Transportation has crews embedded across the state to help remove debris, Kemp said.

“If it is not necessary for you to be on the road during and after the storm, please try to stay home,” he said.

There will be a lot of personnel that would need to be moving to get the roads clear once the storm passes, Kemp said, and people on the roads in the way will slow down the progress.

“It’s very dangerous, as well,” he said. “You remember in the last storm, we had a loss of life with the tree falling on a car.”

People should stay off the roads unless they have a critical emergency.

The Georgia Forestry Commission has 10 chainsaw teams and a 42-person incident management team ready to go, Kemp said, and the Department of Corrections has made available 20 chainsaw teams, commercial kitchen teams and a water tanker.

There are also 150 Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents available to help, he said.

Two urban search and rescue teams are stationed in Gainesville and Macon

State parks outside the path of the storm are open to provide shelter for displaced citizens, Kemp said, including pets and animals.

Currently, around 215 Florida evacuees are being housed at state parks.

There are eight Red Cross shelters set up across the state, and 30 Red Cross response teams are ready to put up more shelters as needed.

The state is partnering with utility providers to respond to any power outages, Kemp said, with Georgia Power deploying 10,000 linemen who will be ready to work when it is safe.

“I just want to thank them personally for the great preparation that they’ve done,” Kemp said. “And I know they will be very busy in the days ahead.”

Residents are warned to not touch down or get too close to down power lines, he said.

People should remember to take care of their pets and animals before the storm hits and not during the storm, Kemp said. And Georgia residents should remain alert on weather conditions.

This storm is reminiscent of Hurricane Irma in 2017 because of its wide wind field, Will Lanxton, state meteorologist at GEMA, said during the press conference. He expects the storm to cover the entire state.

“They’re thinking the dollar amount of damage for this storm is going to be bigger than (Hurricane) Michael,” Kemp said.

This story was originally published September 26, 2024, 6:43 PM.

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Brittany McGee is the Business and Engagement reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. She is a 2021 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Media and Journalism with a second degree in Economics. She began at the Ledger-Enquirer as a Report for America corps member covering the COVID-19 recovery in Columbus.

‘Back at home.’ Tuskegee vs. Morehouse returns to Columbus. Game, parade this weekend

A historic rivalry between two college football programs has returned to Columbus in time to celebrate its 85th anniversary.The 85th Annual Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Football Classic is set to kickoff Saturday at 2 p.m. at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus. Other popular events associated with the game, including tailgating at South Commons next to the stadium and a parade before the game, have also returned.“We’re back at home, we’re back at home,” said Tuskegee head football coach Aaron James, &ld...

A historic rivalry between two college football programs has returned to Columbus in time to celebrate its 85th anniversary.

The 85th Annual Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Football Classic is set to kickoff Saturday at 2 p.m. at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus. Other popular events associated with the game, including tailgating at South Commons next to the stadium and a parade before the game, have also returned.

“We’re back at home, we’re back at home,” said Tuskegee head football coach Aaron James, “So it’s been a long time, a long time coming.”

James was among several speakers at a luncheon Wednesday afternoon at the Columbus Civic Center hosted by the event’s organizing committee for the media, and area football coaches and players.

The game was a mainstay in the Chattahoochee Valley through the 2019 game, before moving to Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2021-2023 games.

The main purpose of the Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic is to raise money for scholarships to help young men and women go to college, according to the event’s website.

Classic Chairperson Lisa Goodwin is asking the community to support the schools and help raise the game’s profile by purchasing a ticket, and attending the game in person.

“The one thing that we have got to do is fill the stands,” Goodwin said. “And that’s not just from our universities, but from the community, the surrounding community.”

Goodwin said there’s an important change for tailgating this year: there’s a $5 entry fee to access the tailgating area, unless you have a game ticket, a classic pass or paid parking. Youth K-12 receive free entry, according to a banner at the main entrance of the Columbus Civic Center.

“That’s going to help offset some of things we need to do in order to send scholarship money to these schools,” Goodwin said.

Also returning is the 85th Annual Classic Parade. The Parade will begin at 9 a.m. in Phenix City at the corner of Broad and Dillingham streets, go north on Broad to 13th Street, cross the 13th Street bridge into Columbus, and then proceed down Broadway where it will finish at 9th Street.

More information is available on tusgekeemorehouse.com.

This story was originally published October 3, 2024, 1:42 PM.

Harris County native leads this Hurricane Helene relief effort for Asheville. How to help

As the executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association, Hayden Plemmons’ job is to promote business and tourism for that western North Carolina city — not provide it hurricane relief.But that’s what this Harris County High School graduate has been doing this week in Columbus.Plemmons, whose last name was Harrison when she attended HCHS, evacuated...

As the executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association, Hayden Plemmons’ job is to promote business and tourism for that western North Carolina city — not provide it hurricane relief.

But that’s what this Harris County High School graduate has been doing this week in Columbus.

Plemmons, whose last name was Harrison when she attended HCHS, evacuated from Asheville with her husband, Tim, and drove approximately 300 miles to her childhood home in Ellerslie on Friday night after Hurricane Helene hit.

When the storm made landfall at 11:10 p.m. Thursday in the Big Bend area of Florida, it was a Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds, and the forecast called for Columbus to be in its path of severe impact.

But by the time Helene crossed into Georgia early Friday morning as a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds, its path had shifted eastward. Although the storm caused some damage and brief power outages in the Columbus area, it was spared devastation. Instead, Helene produced widespread destruction and flooding, with more than 160 reported deaths, elsewhere in the Southeast, including Asheville, where it dumped 14 inches of rain.

“We made it out, by the grace of God,” Plemmons told the Ledger-Enquirer.

So she went from being worried about how Hurricane Helene would effect her hometown to seeking refuge there.

After they arrived in Harris County, she wanted to find a way to help Asheville. Plemmons realized, because of this storm, Columbus and Asheville now share more than both cities being destinations for whitewater adventure: While one community is grateful to escape Helene’s wreckage, the other is grateful for assistance.

All of which led to the establishment of River to River Relief, the Columbus area’s resource drive to aid Asheville’s recovery.

Plemmons and her team are collecting large-format water (jugs of 2-5 gallons), propane, batteries, body wipes, linens, hand sanitizer and paper/plastic products for meals.

“Clothing donations are not being accepted at this time,” she said, “as the focus remains on urgent essentials.”

Collection points are at:

For updates on donation drop-off locations, collection times and other ways to help River to River Relief, visit www.ashevilledowntown.org.

Plemmons requests anyone who has access to large vehicles that could be used to help deliver the supplies to email her at hayden@ashevilledowntown.org.

Plemmons said she and her husband are fortunate to live on a hill in Asheville, so their property wasn’t flooded. But her neighborhood had numerous fallen trees and lost water service and cellphone service.

“Honestly, we’re very blessed to have made it out before bridges started to collapse,” she said. “… We have a lot of folks (in Asheville) that are unaccounted for. Our city and our county are working as hard as humanly possible to get folks access to water.

“Our infrastructure for water was already pretty inferior for what we needed because of the growth that Asheville has experienced over the last few years, and they’re anticipating weeks — we’re hearing four to six weeks — before members of our community will get water back.”

Plemmons further described Hurricane Helene’s aftermath in Asheville.

“We’re talking about entire businesses and buildings being completely washed away, actually gone, and other businesses that are completely flooded,” she said. “We could only see rooftops. … It is catastrophic damage.”

To her knowledge, Plemmons said, none of the roughly 650 member businesses of the Asheville Downtown Association are able to operate.

“We’re looking at six to eight weeks for that,” she said. “… The River Arts District is decimated.”

Plemmons noted even relief organizations are hesitant to come to Asheville “because there’s no water for their own people. They don’t want to take resources away from others.”

Despite being in this job for only 18 months, Plemmons said she already has “fallen in love” with Asheville.

“The people of Appalachia are different,” she said. “They’re so special, and they really rally around one another.”

Now, she wants folks in the Chattahoochee Valley to rally around them. Plemmons is pleased with the Columbus area’s response so far.

“Super helpful,” she said. “… I’m proud to call both of these places home.”

This story was originally published October 2, 2024, 12:00 PM.

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October 02, 2024 1:08 PM

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Verizon outage Georgia | Customers reporting issues with cell service. Where have issues been reported?

Customers are reporting issues with their cellular services. Here's what Verizon's website says about potential outages in areas like Macon, Atlanta, Columbus, etc.Credit: APMACON, Ga. — Some Verizon customers are reporting outages and disruptions to service Monday morning, including here in Georgia.Right now, Verizon has not said much about what i...

Customers are reporting issues with their cellular services. Here's what Verizon's website says about potential outages in areas like Macon, Atlanta, Columbus, etc.

Credit: AP

MACON, Ga. — Some Verizon customers are reporting outages and disruptions to service Monday morning, including here in Georgia.

Right now, Verizon has not said much about what is causing the outage.

"We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers," Verizon said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue."

The outage has put many cellular users in SOS mode, which is the mode phones go into when they can't connect to a wireless network. The issues have hit areas across the United States.

Here's a look at what Verizon's website says about outages in the metropolitan areas of Georgia as of noon Monday.

In Macon, Warner Robins and Dublin, Verizon says that there are still some lingering impacts to service due to Hurricane Helene. They say this is related to power outages and "extensive fiber damage" caused during the storm.

"Verizon is committed to keeping our customers connected and our crews will be out working until connectivity is fully restored," the company said.

There is a known outage in Atlanta affecting data, voice, text and wireless home internet services.

According to their website, the outage started just before 8:30 a.m. Monday morning.

Based on their own anticipated end time, they expect the issues to remain until just before 8:30 p.m. Monday evening

Verizon says there may be a potential network disruption in the Columbus area. Just before 2 p.m., the Verizon site says they are "aware of an issue impacting service for some customers."

The site says that it is mainly impacting wireless service and not data, voice, text or home internet as Atlanta reported.

They say they're "working quickly to identify and solve the issue." However, they don't offer a timetable for the issue being resolved.

There is a known outage in Valdosta, which dates back to the early hours Sept. 27.

That is around when Helene hit the Valdosta area.

They say data, voice, text and wireless home internet services are limited.

The good news, however, is that Verizon reports that service should be restored at around 2 p.m. Monday.

However, just before 2 p.m., Verizon reported that they were dealing with the same issues reported in Columbus, impacting customers' wireless services.

According to Verizon's website, Savannah is still facing lingering impacts from Hurricane Helene, as is the case in Macon.

Verizon is also reporting impacts to wireless service in Albany just before 2 p.m. The message is the same as the issue for Columbus.

As is the case in Columbus, they say they're working to resolve the issue but don't say when they think service will be restored.

Augusta is also still dealing with some network restoration issues stemming from Hurricane Helene, Verizon's website reports.

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