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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Elizabeth, NJ
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 UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ in Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth, NJ 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 Elizabeth. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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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 Boxwood Hall State Historic Site in Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth.
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 Elizabeth, NJ
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 Amber Court of Elizabeth NJ, Assisted Living in Elizabeth NJ in Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth, NJ, 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 Elizabeth?" 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 Mattano Park in Elizabeth. 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 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 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 Elizabeth, NJ, 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 The Nathaniel Bonnell House in Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth, NJ, 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 Elizabeth, NJ
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 Elizabeth, NJ, 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 Portal Churrascaria in Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth Non-Profit Announces Several Holiday Events
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/elizabeth/sections/arts-and-entertainment/articles/elizabeth-non-profit-announces-several-holiday-events
Arts & EntertainmentMayor Bollwage pictured here with the Terrence Reilly Middle School Dancers at the EAP Tree Lighting Ceremony last year which will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd this year.Photo Credit: Elizabeth Avenue PartnershipPhoto Credit: Elizabeth Avenue PartnershipEAP Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd where Santa and his friends ...
Mayor Bollwage pictured here with the Terrence Reilly Middle School Dancers at the EAP Tree Lighting Ceremony last year which will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd this year.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Avenue Partnership
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Avenue Partnership
EAP Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd where Santa and his friends will be in attendancePhoto Credit: Elizabeth Avenue Partnership
The Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy Dance Team will be performing once again at the EAP Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, Dec 3rd at Union Square Plaza from 5-7 pm. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Avenue Partnership
Mayor Bollwage pictured here with the Terrence Reilly Middle School Dancers at the EAP Tree Lighting Ceremony last year which will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd this year.Photo Credit: Elizabeth Avenue Partnership
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Avenue Partnership
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By TAPinto Elizabeth Staff
Published November 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM
ELIZABETH, NJ - The Elizabeth Avenue Partnership announced several events to usher in the holiday season.
On December 3 Santa will be coming to the Union Square Plaza as part of the organization’s annual tree-lighting event. The event is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Vendors will be on hand serving hot chocolate and treats. Holiday music and entertainment will be available as well, including dance and choral routines from Elizabeth Public Schools students. Santa will arrive between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to light the Christmas tree.
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The EAP will also be hosting several free children’s events including a breakfast with Santa on December 7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., pony rides on December 14, and a petting zoo on December 21.
For more information, you can reach the Elizabeth Avenue Partnership at 908-590-2600
Interested in owning/operating TAPinto Elizabeth? For more information, visit starttap.net or click here to set up a time with TAPinto Founder and CEO Michael Shapiro. You can also email mshapiro@tapinto.net.
Elizabeth Students Named 2024-2025 Governor’s STEM Scholars
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/elizabeth/sections/education/articles/elizabeth-students-named-2024-2025-governor-s-stem-scholars
ELIZABETH, NJ - Elizabeth students Gabriel Arias, Isabella Cortes, Maira Nadeem, and Aaron Vivanco were among the 111 scholars from 21 counties in New Jersey to be named a 2024-2025 Governor’s STEM Scholar.GSS is a public-private partnership between the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Office of the Governor, the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, and public and private research institutions. They serve as a bridge for students to connect with research and STEM ...
ELIZABETH, NJ - Elizabeth students Gabriel Arias, Isabella Cortes, Maira Nadeem, and Aaron Vivanco were among the 111 scholars from 21 counties in New Jersey to be named a 2024-2025 Governor’s STEM Scholar.
GSS is a public-private partnership between the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Office of the Governor, the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, and public and private research institutions. They serve as a bridge for students to connect with research and STEM professionals.
To qualify for GSS, applicants must have at least a 3.5 GPA, be a high school sophomore through doctoral-level student at a New Jersey-based high school or university, and demonstrate a strong passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
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“New Jersey’s legacy of innovation is fueled by exceptional talent, and the Governor’s STEM Scholars is at the forefront of nurturing that talent. These Scholars are not only the future leaders in STEM, but they also represent the diversity and brilliance that defines our state,” said Anthony Cicatiello, President of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey.
“Through the Governor’s STEM Scholars, New Jersey STEM students are able to learn from and engage with some of the state’s top STEM and R&D professionals, enhancing the students’ knowledge and understanding of career opportunities and introducing them to the STEM economy in New Jersey,” said Alise Roderer, Director of the Governor’s STEM Scholars. “With this career knowledge and exposure, we are setting these high school and college students on a path to achieve excellence in jobs of the future.”
Interested in owning/operating TAPinto Elizabeth? For more information, visit starttap.net or click here to set up a time with TAPinto Founder and CEO Michael Shapiro. You can also email mshapiro@tapinto.net.
Elizabeth Non-Profit To Honor 4 Community Leaders at Gala
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/elizabeth/sections/giving-back/articles/elizabeth-non-profit-to-honor-4-community-leaders-at-gala
ELIZABETH, NJ - Groundwork Elizabeth is inviting the public to a night of celebration as they recognize 4 local community leaders at its first Gala since 2020. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th, at the Galloping Hill Golf Course events site in Kenilworth and will begin at 6 P.M.Groundwork Elizabeth says each leader is being recognized for their determination to improve the environment and the lives of those in environmental justice urban neighborhoods. The leaders being recognized include:Jennifer Cost...
ELIZABETH, NJ - Groundwork Elizabeth is inviting the public to a night of celebration as they recognize 4 local community leaders at its first Gala since 2020. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th, at the Galloping Hill Golf Course events site in Kenilworth and will begin at 6 P.M.
Groundwork Elizabeth says each leader is being recognized for their determination to improve the environment and the lives of those in environmental justice urban neighborhoods. The leaders being recognized include:
Jennifer Costa, President & CEO of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organization
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Arif Welcher, Assistant Director Office of Sustainability of the Port Authority of NY & NJ
Jay Watson and Alison Mitchell, Co-Executive Directors for the NJ Conservation Foundation
Jonathan Phillips, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Groundwork Elizabeth
"Groundwork Elizabeth has been driving positive change through environmental action, youth empowerment, and dedicated service to the people of Elizabeth. The Gala is a celebration of their accomplishments, an opportunity for us all to support their continued impact and congratulate our community leaders," said Mayor Bollwage. “The City of Elizabeth proudly stands with Groundwork Elizabeth as they work to build a healthier, more resilient future for our city."
“I am proud to be associated with Groundwork Elizabeth, which is dedicated to the improvement of the environment and the lives that this work touches,” noted Greg Waga, Groundwork Elizabeth’s Board President, “this night celebrates what we are doing as well as a recognizing our founding Executive Director and three more individuals who share our goals for the community”.
Tickets are $200 and include cocktails, appetizers, dinner, a silent auction, and time for conversation. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To attend, register online at Groundwork Elizabeth’s website. For questions, call Executive Director John Evangelista at 908-289-0262.
Elizabeth Student Wins ELA Honor Society Fall Creative Challenge
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/elizabeth/sections/education/articles/elizabeth-student-wins-ela-honor-society-fall-creative-challenge
ELIZABETH, NJ - Elizabeth Public Schools announced that Juan Pablo Duarte-José Julián Martí School No 28 student Samantha Moreno was one of three students named a winner of the ELA Honor Society Fall Creative Challenge.The ELA Honor Society is a program created by Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society for four-year universities and colleges. It is the National English Honor Society for High Schools, working with over 80,000 high school students worldwide.For the challenge, students in gra...
ELIZABETH, NJ - Elizabeth Public Schools announced that Juan Pablo Duarte-José Julián Martí School No 28 student Samantha Moreno was one of three students named a winner of the ELA Honor Society Fall Creative Challenge.
The ELA Honor Society is a program created by Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society for four-year universities and colleges. It is the National English Honor Society for High Schools, working with over 80,000 high school students worldwide.
For the challenge, students in grades six through nine were tasked with reading and listening to Benjamin Zephaniah's poetry before writing their own poems. Submissions had to be a maximum of 200 words and focused on a social justice issue that the student feels passionately about.
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As a result of her victory, Moreno’s poem and video performance will be published in the ELA Honor Society’s November newsletter.
“In addition to providing students with personal pathways to success through a rigorous academic curriculum, Elizabeth Public Schools seeks to develop caring, responsible young people who leave our schools ready to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to their community,” said Elizabeth Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Olga Hugelmeyer. “I am proud of Samantha for her courage and thoughtfulness in taking this opportunity to share her unique perspectives related to injustice and inequality. She is an inspiration to her peers to care about others and their community and to participate in discussions about important topics that affect our society.”
“I congratulate Samantha for her outstanding poem being selected as a winner of the Fall Creative Contest and thank the National English Honor Society for providing students with this opportunity to demonstrate their linguistic talents," stated Elizabeth Board of Education President Charlene Bathelus. "As a woman who tirelessly serves her community and earned the honor of being part of the first-ever women majority of the Elizabeth Board of Education, I am very proud of Samantha for the strength she shows as a young woman in taking on such an important issue and that she is using her voice to express the challenges she and other women face and her determination to rise above and conquer them."
Interested in owning/operating TAPinto Elizabeth? For more information, visit starttap.net or click here to set up a time with TAPinto Founder and CEO Michael Shapiro. You can also email mshapiro@tapinto.net.
Elizabeth Fire Department Completes Confined Space Rescue Training at APM Terminals Port Elizabeth
Kevin Doellhttps://www.apmterminals.com/en/news/news-releases/2024/241101-elizabeth-fire-department-completes-confined-space-rescue-training-at-apm-terminals-elizabeth
During the week of October 21, 2024, the Elizabeth Fire Department (City of Elizabeth, NJ) conducted critical confined space rescue drills at APM Terminals Port Elizabeth, part of their annual training to maintain readiness for high-risk scenarios. This collaboration between the fire department and the terminal's staff highlights the importance of preparedness in dealing with emergencies in industrial environments .Led by Deputy Chief William Vignali and Battalion Chief Gary Haszko, the training focused on confined space rescues &ndas...
During the week of October 21, 2024, the Elizabeth Fire Department (City of Elizabeth, NJ) conducted critical confined space rescue drills at APM Terminals Port Elizabeth, part of their annual training to maintain readiness for high-risk scenarios. This collaboration between the fire department and the terminal's staff highlights the importance of preparedness in dealing with emergencies in industrial environments .
Led by Deputy Chief William Vignali and Battalion Chief Gary Haszko, the training focused on confined space rescues – a particularly complex type of emergency response. In confined spaces like sewers, tankers, or atop towering port cranes, rescuers must navigate limited access points and hazardous conditions, making these rescues especially challenging.
“This year, we had the opportunity to use the crane at APM Terminals, the height and size of which added a layer of complexity to our drill,” said Deputy Chief Vignali. “We conduct confined space training every year, but practicing in this industrial setting really helps simulate real-world conditions where time, access, and safety risks are heightened.”
The relationship between APM Terminals and the Elizabeth Fire Department goes beyond just providing a training location. As part of APM Terminals' commitment to safety, the collaboration was born out of discussions during the terminal’s Global Safety Day when it brings together stakeholders from across the port community to focus attention on keeping employees safe.
“Confined spaces are areas where people aren’t meant to be for long. They're tough to access, often hazardous, and when something goes wrong, it’s serious. These incidents are low frequency, but very high risk, which is why we train for them constantly.” Deputy Chief William Vignali
“The fire department approached us about doing some training on confined space during our Global Safety Day,” explained Candice Revill, APM Terminals Port Elizabeth’s HSSE Director. “We really rely on them. We hope they never have to use this training in a real situation, but their familiarity with our operation and equipment could save someone’s life.”
The terminal’s dynamic environment – where heavy loads are moved, and powerful equipment operates under tight deadlines – presents unique safety challenges. APM Terminals emphasizes a proactive safety mindset, recognizing that safety is not just about following procedures, but also about staying curious and vigilant in an ever-changing workplace. This philosophy, central to the company’s own “Global Safety Day” message, underscores the need for ongoing learning, collaboration, and readiness.
“Our work conditions constantly change,” said Revill. “With changing conditions, safety risks also change. Having the fire department out here getting familiar with our equipment and operations helps them stay one step ahead and potentially save lives.”
The training not only prepared the firefighters for confined space rescues in an industrial setting, but these same skills can be applied in various scenarios throughout the community. From rescuing window washers to handling elevator emergencies, the skills honed in these drills are critical across the city of Elizabeth.
As part of the terminal’s broader commitment to safety, Global Safety Day serves as a reminder that safety is an ongoing journey.
“Safety is not a destination; it’s an ongoing journey driven by curiosity, collaboration, and constant care,” said Revill. “It’s been a humbling experience to see the fire department’s work up close, and I’m really proud of the team for supporting this effort.”
Through this relationship, APM Terminals Port Elizabeth and the Elizabeth Fire Department are ensuring they are ready for any emergency, reinforcing their shared commitment to safety for both the terminal and the broader community.
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