Tuesday, June 17

Clean-up and power are the two main focuses for today. Cotton has approximately 20 people scooping and scrapping mud and goop out of every nook and cranny of the lower level of the building. Every item on the lower level was removed, photographed, and sorted.  Photos will be posted of this process soon.

Simultaneously, work is beginning on the mechanical systems of the building. Two portable generators have been installed. Hawkeye Electric has wired temporary emergency lighting for the stairway and lobby so that work can continue in these areas.

 Restoring service of at least one elevator has been a high priority. The pits were pumped on Monday. Today they were cleaned by Cotton and Hawkeye Electric is working to assure that the power will be available to run the elevators. Otis Elevator was here to check the materials needed and the progress of clean-up. They will begin work tomorrow to get at least the freight elevator operating. Other elevators will be brought on line as power is restored.

As these vital processes take place, Brian is constantly on the phone managing the clean up and recovery process. Much more is going on "behind the scenes" than the webmaster can record in this format. I apologize for any important omissions.

After the clean up crew, electricians, and others have gone home. Brian remains to load the steel, move sandbags away from the building, and secure all doors. The day ends around 10:00 pm.