In the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and major storms, one of the first services people seek out is emergency response for their homes and properties. From emergency tarping to tree removal and water mitigation, the costs for these services can often seem high. While the sticker shock is understandable, there are several reasons why emergency service work carries a significant price tag. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to the high cost of these critical services, including the need for specialized equipment, the dangers involved, and the logistical challenges that responders face in disaster zones.
In addition to challenges actually getting to and completing the EMS work, these responders also deal with lack of available restrooms, no communication channels via cellular service, no access to nearby medical treatment, no electricity, and more. This can lead to varying costs based on each company’s proximity to a disaster area, experience with a particular storm scenario, and individual expenses associated with working out solutions on the fly from one storm to the next.
The Nature of Emergency Services
Emergency service work is designed to respond quickly and effectively to urgent problems, often in the worst possible conditions. Unlike routine maintenance or scheduled repairs, these services are typically needed immediately and must be performed under extreme pressure. When a storm hits, homeowners might require:
- Emergency Tarping to cover roof damage and prevent further water intrusion.
- Tree Removal for large fallen trees blocking access or damaging structures.
- Water Mitigation after pipes burst or floodwaters invade a home.
These services are vital to preventing further damage and making homes safe to live in, but they come with significant challenges that drive up the costs.
Costs of Emergency Tarping and Tree Removal After Major Storms
Emergency Tarping
After major wind storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes, emergency tarping is one of the most immediate needs. When roofs are damaged by high winds or falling debris, water can quickly infiltrate the home, leading to extensive water damage. Emergency tarping involves securing large tarps over the roof to temporarily seal it from the elements.
The costs for this service can seem steep, but there are several factors that contribute:
- Immediate Response: Emergency tarping crews often work around the clock to secure homes. This requires a 24/7 response team, which incurs higher labor costs due to overtime and the need for rapid mobilization.
- Specialized Materials: Durable tarps that can withstand strong winds and prolonged exposure to the elements are not cheap. Additionally, specialized tools and safety equipment are required to secure the tarps on damaged roofs safely.
- Dangerous Working Conditions: Climbing onto damaged roofs after a storm is risky. Workers are exposed to hazardous conditions, including slippery surfaces, weakened structures, and the potential for further collapses. The inherent danger of the work demands higher wages to attract skilled workers willing to take on these risks.
Tree Removal
Another common emergency service after a storm is tree removal. Fallen trees can block driveways, roads, and access to homes, and may cause structural damage if they fall on buildings. Removing these trees, especially large ones, is a complex and often dangerous task.
Certified arborists are required to have 3-5 years experience with tree work and pass rigorous testing before becoming accredited with the International Society of Arboriculture. Finding contractors with this certification and beyond shows their heavy investment not only in the equipment to perform the job, but their investment into the mastery of their craft to protect themselves and your most valuable assets.
- Heavy Equipment and Skilled Labor: Tree removal after a storm often requires cranes, chainsaws, and other heavy equipment, which adds to the cost. In addition, skilled labor is needed to safely cut down and remove trees without causing further damage to surrounding property.
- Dangerous Conditions: Just like emergency tarping, tree removal after a storm presents serious hazards. Downed power lines, unstable trees, and debris all make the job extremely dangerous. The level of danger contributes to the higher cost of this service.
- Logistical Challenges: Crews often need to work quickly to clear roads and access points, especially in disaster areas where emergency vehicles need to get through. This adds to the urgency and complexity of the job.
Water Mitigation After Busted Pipes and Floods
When pipes burst or homes flood due to heavy rain, immediate water mitigation is critical to prevent mold, structural damage, and health hazards. Water mitigation services involve pumping out standing water, drying out the affected areas, and treating the space to prevent mold growth.
Many mitigation companies have spent thousands of dollars educating their labor force on the risks involved in taking on mitigation work for both the company and the home or business owner. Always look for IICRC certified mitigation teams who understand how mold growth works and best practices to ensure the chance of future contamination is eliminated.
The costs associated with water mitigation can be high for several reasons:
- 24/7 Response Teams: Water mitigation often needs to begin immediately to be effective. Service providers must be available around the clock, which requires paying overtime to workers and maintaining equipment on standby for emergencies.
- Specialized Equipment: High-powered pumps, industrial-grade dehumidifiers, and moisture detection tools are essential for water mitigation. These tools are expensive to maintain and operate.
- Health and Safety Risks: Floodwaters often contain contaminants such as sewage, chemicals, and bacteria. Workers need to wear protective gear and take precautions to avoid exposure to these hazards, which increases the overall cost of the service.
The Costs of 24/7 Response Teams
The core of emergency service work is rapid response. When disaster strikes, people expect immediate action to prevent further damage and restore safety. This need for quick action is one of the primary drivers of high costs.
- Staffing and Overtime: Emergency service providers must maintain fully staffed teams around the clock. Employees are often on call 24/7, and overtime pay is common, especially during large-scale disaster events. This staffing model is essential for providing the rapid response customers need but also significantly increases labor costs.
- Emergency Dispatch and Coordination: Operating an emergency service often requires a sophisticated dispatch system to coordinate crews and respond to the most urgent needs first. This infrastructure adds to the overall cost of providing emergency services.
The Level of Danger Involved
As mentioned earlier, much of the work done in emergency situations involves significant risk. Working on damaged roofs, dealing with large fallen trees, and entering flooded homes all carry substantial dangers. The high level of danger necessitates:
- Higher Pay for Workers: To attract skilled workers willing to take on these risks, companies often pay a premium. This higher compensation is reflected in the cost of services.
- Insurance Costs: Emergency service providers must carry extensive insurance to cover the risks involved in the work. This includes liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and equipment insurance, all of which contribute to the higher price of services.
Working in Disaster Areas Before Government Assistance
In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, emergency service providers are often the first to respond, arriving before government aid or insurance assistance kicks in. This comes with unique challenges:
- Logistical Challenges: Crews frequently need to commute long distances into disaster zones, where housing, fuel, water, electricity, and cell service may be scarce. This requires not only finding suitable housing for workers but also transporting fuel, food, and water into the area. All these logistical challenges add to the cost of providing services.
- Limited Resources: In many disaster zones, infrastructure is severely damaged, meaning crews may need to bring their own generators, water supplies, and communication equipment to continue working. These additional resources are expensive and can drive up the cost of services.
Delayed Compensation from Insurance and FEMA
Another factor contributing to the cost of emergency services is the delayed compensation process. In many cases, homeowners are relying on insurance payouts or FEMA assistance to cover the costs of repairs. However, these payments can take weeks or even months to process. In the meantime, emergency service providers must cover their operational costs—salaries, equipment, transportation, etc.—out of pocket.
To compensate for these delays, many companies factor in additional costs to ensure they can continue operating while waiting for payments to come through. This can further increase the billed amount as these contractors may rely on lines of credit or extended payment terms (NET 30-60) to account for the cash intensive nature of these storm situations.
Conclusion
Emergency service work, whether it’s tarping a roof, removing a fallen tree, or mitigating water damage, is inherently expensive due to the combination of urgent response, high-risk working conditions, specialized equipment, and logistical challenges. The cost of 24/7 availability, the danger involved in working in disaster zones, and the delay in receiving payment from insurance companies or FEMA are all significant factors. While the price may seem high, the value of these services in protecting property and restoring safety in the aftermath of a disaster cannot be understated. Understanding the reasons behind these costs helps provide clarity on why emergency service work comes with a premium price tag.