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We lost over $300,000 worth of equipment when Hurricane Katrina ravaged ashore in Gulfport, MS in August 2005. It did so with its winds reliably estimated at 100 to 125 mph and spared practically nothing in its path.

Unfortunately, we were only partially insured, but we felt that we had to replace and repair our equipment as soon as possible to stay in business. There was no other option other than to go out of business. We were determined to get back up and running.

During the storm we had a 12- to 14-foot water surge in the plant that came in from a nearby fluctuating tidal flow canal. It flooded our asphalt and crusher plants and buildings. There was at least 2 feet of water in our offices and 4 feet of water in our laboratory building. We knew this from the high water marks left on the walls and equipment. Our plant's control house was totally blown away with no pieces or sections ever found. The feeder bins which were ground level were swamped with salt water for days before we could even come into the area to see the damage.

The motors on all the stationary equipment had to be overhauled on the asphalt plant and the Telsmith RAP crusher because of the saltwater intrusion. Even our compressors had to be replaced. Anything that had moving parts had to be fixed. Our liquid heater units and tanks were damaged when a roof over that equipment was blown down and crumpled. Even the roof took the concrete foundation with it.

I came in a couple of days after the hurricane, as soon as I was allowed. Our employees came in soon after and we all started to clean up whatever we could. We started by removing the bottom four feet of sheet rock from the office building. Then we took out the insulation and rewired what had to be done. It was very hot during the time, so we also had to replace the air conditioning units as quickly as we could to dry the air and prevent mildew damage.