So the volunteers from MDS and MCC took full advantage of the cooler early-morning hours to work inside the small houses along the creek. The men worked tirelessly from dawn until well after dark to clear out any standing water from the Pinecraft dwellings, using portable generators to power the equipment necessary to get the job done. The neighborhood that had been silent and deserted for days vibrated with the sound of power washers, pumps, dehumidifiers, and fans. Every window and door that could be opened was. Some members of the work crews spent their time outside, making sure that drains and gutters were properly attached so that any additional rain would be directed away from houses. Once the MDS crews had done their work on a cottage, it was time for Hester’s volunteers to do their part. Arlen’s crews had taken care of removing larger items such as soaked drywall, as well as mattresses, large furniture, and carpeting that were sure to be fertile ground for mold. Hester’s volunteers would take the next step, scrubbing down undamaged walls and floors and washing smaller items that could be salvaged.
