On September 7, 2011, the majority of Pennsylvania experienced severe weather conditions and devastating flooding. In just 24 hours, over 13 inches of rain fell in Pine Grove, PA. The storm proved to be a major test for Solar’s facility. The building’s flood system was designed to withstand a 100-year storm, which was precisely what this storm turned out to be.
After several hours of rainfall, the stream which runs through Solar Innovations, Inc.’s 36+ acre campus began to rush over the bank and toward the shop at the north side of the building. Fortunately for the Company, several team members who were working into the evening were able to monitor the rising water. Team members quickly got to work packing clay at the door sills of the shop. Nearly 10 inches of water rose against the shop doors. Thankfully for Solar the clay held in place and less than a full shop vac of water entered the building that night.
The Company is extremely thankful for the team’s dedication that evening. If it were not for their diligence and quick instincts, Solar’s shop would have suffered major water damage. Since then, Solar has reevaluated its emergency plans, and even though the Company has not seen weather comparable to that night’s storm, the team is now better prepared for unexpected severe weather conditions.
