From coastal highways to winding mountainous roads, Hurricane Helene’s severe flooding has caused widespread damage to critical infrastructure across multiple states in the Southeastern United States. Washed-out roads and destabilized slopes have left many communities with limited safe access, compounding challenges during recovery.

Atlas is committed to supporting these regions as the recovery process advances. With immediate needs being addressed, the focus is shifting to rebuilding vital infrastructure. We’ve helped communities through other natural disasters, and we’re ready to provide solutions and strategies that restore and reinforce roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.

Infrastructure Recovery You Can Trust

Our geotechnical team is assessing and repairing damaged infrastructure. Whether it’s roadways, bridges or other critical transportation routes, our engineers have the expertise to stabilize and rebuild these essential connections.

Our specialized services include:

• Rapid site assessment: evaluating damaged areas to assess the condition of roadways and bridges, enabling swift decision-making.
• Temporary repair designs: creating innovative solutions to quickly reopen critical routes while permanent plans are being developed.
• Permanent stabilization solutions: designing long-term fixes, such as slope stabilization and embankment repairs, to ensure durability.
• Collaboration with federal programs: assisting with navigating disaster relief programs, such as Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief and Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads Program, ensuring projects meet funding requirements.

Committed to Restoring Infrastructure

As we work together through the recovery process, it’s important to look beyond immediate repairs and consider the long-term resilience of the infrastructure that supports our communities. Atlas is dedicated to delivering solutions that restore and strengthen, providing long-term protection for our communities.

From road repairs to bridge stabilization and ensuring compliance with federal programs, we’re here every step of the way. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient infrastructure that stands the test of time.

Rebuilding Tips for Infrastructure

• Prioritize safety: Inspect roads and bridges for structural integrity before use and restrict traffic on visibly compromised roads.
• Document all damage: Take photos and keep detailed records of all damage for insurance and relief applications.
• Plan temporary repairs: Focus on reopening key routes with temporary solutions to restore mobility while planning permanent repairs.
• Work closely with agencies: Collaborate with federal and state agencies to access relief funding and align projects with program requirements.
• Build for resilience: Consider incorporating measures to enhance infrastructure’s ability to withstand future storms.

Source Brightline West | Brightline West high-speed rail connecting Las Vegas and Southern California.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we recognize the profound impact this historic storm has had on families, businesses and communities, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating storm.

At Atlas, we’re honored and humbled to support the recovery process. For decades, we’ve worked side-by-side with communities as they rebuild after natural disasters. Our offices along the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern coast, supported by additional staff from across the country, stand mobilized and ready to meet the needs of communities and regions that have been impacted by Helene.

Your Partner in Recovery

Our team of industrial hygienists are on the ground, offering critical services to assess and mitigate storm damage. We’re here to guide you through key aspects of the remediation process, ensuring both the safety of your environment and the well-being of those who depend on it.

• Asbestos and lead surveys: surveying buildings and structures for the presence of potentially hazardous materials and providing guidance for abatement.
• Water damage investigations: identifying and addressing water intrusions to prevent long-term structural and health issues.
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments: testing air quality to ensure a safe return for building occupants.
• Mold surveys and remediation planning: evaluating mold growth and developing clear plans for safe removal.
• Allergen identification and bacteria testing: detecting potential health risks, such as bacterial contamination, which can result from water damage.

Our Commitment to the Community

At Atlas, we’re more than a service provider — we’re partners in recovery. From our efforts after major Hurricanes, such as Katrina, Sandy, Harvey and Ian, to our long-term work in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, and now our rapid response to Hurricane Helene, we understand true recovery goes beyond rebuilding structures. It’s about restoring the safety and well-being of the people who live and work in these environments.

Moving Forward Together

We believe in the strength and resilience of the communities we serve. Recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. As you rebuild, Atlas will be by your side, ensuring your environment is safe, your people are protected, and your path forward is clear.

Stay safe, and remember, together, we will rebuild.

Disaster Recovery Tips

Here are a few essential tips to help you stay safe and manage recovery efforts in the wake of a hurricane:

• Document damage immediately: Take photos and videos of any damage to your property, both inside and out, before beginning any cleanup or repairs. It’s critical for insurance claims.
• Approach water damage carefully: Floodwaters can contain bacteria, chemicals and debris. Avoid wading through standing water unless necessary, and always wear protective gear.
• Check for structural integrity: Before re-entering any building, inspect for signs of structural damage. Look for cracks, sagging ceilings or other signs of compromised integrity.
• Don’t handle potentially hazardous materials: Find out if building materials contain asbestos or lead before handling, and take appropriate precautions as needed.
• Address mold quickly: Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after flooding. Prompt action is necessary to prevent long-term health issues.
• Ensure safe air quality: Poor air quality can pose serious health risks, even if no visible damage exists. Consider having indoor air quality tested, especially if water damage occurs.

Sources:

Hurricanes may not strike as suddenly as earthquakes or tornadoes, but they are still unpredictable and can cause an unparalleled amount of damage to infrastructure, property and human life. Specifically, when hazardous materials are present at a facility, damage from water and wind to commercial real estate is a serious concern for businesses located in vulnerable areas.  These areas include most of the coastline along the Gulf Coast, the southeastern U.S. and lately, more frequently on the eastern seaboard.

In lieu of hurricane season in the U.S. June 1 to November 30, we are reminded to make sure our businesses, schools, and communities are prepared to weather the storm with these disaster-preparedness tips from our team of experts.

Assess Risks and Current Procedures

The first step towards hurricane preparedness is a full evaluation of the site itself. Your location’s proximity to the coastline or other bodies of water is important, but there are many other factors to consider, as well. Hurricane damage is not limited to high winds and flying debris. In 2020, Hurricane Laura alone caused over  and losses to residential and commercial real estate.

Our consultants look at flood zone risks, site drainage features and barriers, soil composition, local geography and structural materials to identify potential vulnerabilities to both wind and storm damage as well as storm surge and flooding. Facilities housing potential contaminants and all procedures related to their handling, are priorities during the assessment to ensure the health and safety of the public during an emergency.

This proactive assessment includes a thorough evaluation of all risk-management and emergency measures already in place. Some of these procedures can be adjusted and integrated into a broader emergency and disaster recovery plan. Businesses also need to consider all of the applicable laws and regulations relevant to their industry, location and specific nature of their operations.

Create an Emergency Plan

The ability to react quickly to an emerging crisis can make the difference between a minor setback and a complete disaster. Every commercial site at risk of severe hurricane damage should have an updated and established emergency response plan. This plan provides employees and decision makers with a framework and essential checklist when facing an imminent storm. Procedures for providing emergency power, developing mitigation controls, ceasing volatile operations and bolstering chemical storage areas are just a few examples of what may appear in an emergency plan.

Emergency plans are not a “one size fits all” solution, and should not only be customized to your unique business, location and employees, but also regularly evaluated and updated as needed. Once created, it’s also important that all current and new employees are properly trained and made aware of new policies and procedures as they happen in case of an emergency event.

Develop a Disaster Recovery Strategy

Even if the storm only lasts for a day or two, the impact of a hurricane can linger for much longer. Unprepared sites​ can become seriously contaminated​ or structurally unsafe, which can cripple business operations on the premises for months or even years. That’s why businesses should have a disaster recovery strategy in place that they can implement to address issues arising from storm damage that accounts for every aspect of how it operates.

Damaged commercial sites should be inspected as soon as possible after hurricane activity subsides. Signs of chemical contamination, water intrusion or structural damage can represent a serious threat to the safety of workers and other personnel onsite, as well as the surrounding environment and communities. It’s also important to quickly address sources of ongoing damage, particularly when there has been flooding. A thorough disaster recovery plan includes steps to address concerns in order of priority and severity, providing a roadmap for the remediation process.

Remediating Damaged Sites

Some of the risks associated with hurricanes are unavoidable, even with a comprehensive emergency and recovery plan. Following the post-storm assessment, commercial property owners have to find an affordable and effective way to get back to normal operating conditions. The sheer complexity and scope of hurricane remediation can be overwhelming, but with the help of experienced environmental and engineering consultants, business owners can rest assured knowing that their property is well taken care of.

Atlas offers comprehensive disaster recovery support, including:

• Initial water damage assessments, including moisture intrusion surveys
• Asbestos, lead paint and other contaminated material assessments ​that may be required prior to demolition and removal of any storm-damaged materials
• Structural damage evaluations and assessments, including welding, concrete, foundation and roofing inspections
• Water damage moisture mapping services, as well as observation and third-party oversight of microbial abatement activities
• Program management and construction management
• Grant management services in support of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program: preliminary damage assessment, grant funding eligibility and recovery implementation phase, project delivery
• Air quality consulting, including fence line air monitoring in extreme cases of chemical releases and fires
• Testing and monitoring of indoor air quality for noxious fumes to ensure there are no fugitive emissions or releases
• Contaminated waste management, chemical containment, characterization and disposal management
• Chemical release and spill response and initial abatement activities
• Assessing, monitoring and mitigating impacts to soil, surface water and groundwater
• Utility restoration to the facility

Atlas is currently providing environmental investigations in the southeast Louisiana region in response to Hurricane Ida. Following the devastating 2020 CAT4 Hurricanes, Delta and Laura, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Atlas also provided immediate Industrial Hygienist support in the wake of significant flooding and continues to provide program management, construction management, and grant management services to the City of Lake Charles in support of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Despite the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, there are measures companies can take to mitigate the risk of damage to life, property and the environment before a storm hits. Identifying and prioritizing the numerous risk factors impacting a particular site can be difficult on its own, and businesses have to do much more than that to survive a hurricane disaster. That’s why Atlas offers advanced solutions to support clients in all of their hurricane preparation and remediation efforts. ​Contact us today​ to discuss our comprehensive consulting services or to learn more about the risks hurricanes pose to your commercial property.