Posted by: Jill @ 10:59 am
With the temperatures dipping into the teens lately, the Birmingham Babies First home experienced the harsh consequences of the cold weather.
Staff arrived at the home on January 5th to find the pipes had burst due to the frigid conditions. Water covered the floors in multiple rooms at the home, nearly ruining the new resident bedroom just recently renovated.
“The fire sprinkler pipes froze and burst, dumping 300 gallons of water,” said Elise Smith, group home supervisor.
Carpet, baseboards, paint, ceiling and flooring will need to be replaced due to the damage. Tiles that make up the flooring of the hallway, kitchen and dining area have shifted in some areas causing gaps in the flooring
“The ceilings in the laundry room and new resident bedroom have caved in,” said Kristin Webb, Northern Region Director. “Water pooled in the attic before coming down through the vents and light fixtures.”
At this time, all of the water is up and the repair process has begun. “The health department will require special mold inspections and tests once the repairs are complete,” said Webb.
She adds that it will probably be at least three weeks before the home can begin taking residents.
Fortunately, insurance will cover the repairs and much of the equipment and furniture was saved thanks to the fast-thinking UMCH staff members who were there at the time. At this point, no donations of items are needed, but monetary gifts would help go toward the insurance deductibles and make any replacements of equipment & furnishings that were severely damaged.
We ask mostly for prayers that the home is repaired quickly as there are four moms & babies waiting to move in.
Pictured below is the ceiling in the laundry room where the water busted through.