Hurricane Helene: Special Barriers Shield Fire Station and Hospital from Flooding
As residents continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, Florida officials are highlighting the effectiveness of a special flood protection barrier known as Tiger Dams, which successfully shielded a fire station and a hospital from flood damage.
During a visit to Manatee Memorial Hospital, Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the importance of flood mitigation strategies in low-lying areas. “If you had the Tiger Dams in some of these areas, like we saw in Pasco, where the water rose three to four feet, they would have made a huge difference,” DeSantis remarked, noting that these barriers significantly reduce water intrusion into homes.
What Are Tiger Dams?
Tiger Dams are inflatable barriers that are filled with water to combat floodwaters. Governor DeSantis suggested that these barriers could also be effective for residential properties. Geri Pasquarella, a local resident whose home flooded during Helene, echoed this sentiment, urging county officials to implement Tiger Dams in flood-prone neighborhoods. “They should know which areas are dangerous and prone to flooding,” she said.
Paul Vickers, President of U.S. Flood Control, the company that manufactures Tiger Dams, stated they are the largest distributor of these barriers worldwide. He encouraged residents to advocate for the acquisition of Tiger Dams or similar products from their local emergency management offices.
When asked if Tiger Dams could have mitigated the record storm surge during Helene, Vickers acknowledged the challenges posed by such powerful surges but asserted, “In many cases, we can stop or at least redirect floodwaters during hurricanes.” He noted that the barriers can be stacked up to 32 feet high and are designed with a pyramid shape for enhanced stability.
Cost and Accessibility of Tiger Dams
The price of Tiger Dams varies based on height and distance, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and they can extend anywhere from 50 feet to 50 miles. They are available for individual purchase online, and Vickers recommends using pumps to remove any rainwater that may collect inside the barriers. Additionally, these dams are reusable and come with a 15-year guarantee.
Local resident Michael Scuiga shared footage from his doorbell camera, showing 14 inches of water outside his home during the storm. “If I had barriers all around my house, there wouldn’t have been a drop of water in here,” he stated.
Emergency Management Preparedness
The Executive Director of Florida’s Emergency Management Division reported that they have over seven miles of Tiger Dams in their central warehouse in Orlando, indicating a preparedness for future storms. “Counties have already reached out to us for these barriers,” he added. Scuiga expressed that access to these barriers could have made a significant difference in his neighborhood. “If I had known where to get them a day or two ahead of time, I would’ve definitely purchased some.”
Governor DeSantis announced plans for a pilot program to test Tiger Dams in a low-lying residential area, suggesting that their implementation could prevent future damage and reduce insurance claims. “I believe we will see a lot of use of this in the future,” he concluded, acknowledging the potential benefits of Tiger Dams as communities rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
