MASON CITY, IA--
It's been more than a year since flood waters plunged into Mason City homes. And while life has pretty much returned to normal in the time since--there's still plenty of cleaning to do. “The city cannot buy them until the personal belongings are removed from the home,” said Duane Blum.That's where Chris and Duane Blum come in. “We have the knowledge and the experience to be able to know what to do and what not to do, so we can go in to these people that don't know how to handle it and give them guidance,” said Duane.
They've helped out after disasters in the past--so when the 2008 floods washed into town--the Blums got to work. “As the water went down the river we just kind of followed along with it to the different towns,” said Duane.
Hundreds helped out after the flood--and many have since returned to their normal routines. But not the Blums. “I have a full time job so it’s after hours and weekends,” said Duane.
In fact they're not just flood aficionados--they're more like natural disaster nomads. “Clear Lake, Charles City, Mason City,” said Duane, describing just a few of the places they’d been to help last summer.
They help where they're needed--hauling damaged items out of homes, then cleaning and disinfecting on the inside. “If its not cleaned out it won't be salvageable in a year or two,” said Duane.
And you can bet they'll be out helping for a long time to come. “It's something that we have a desire to keep helping out with,” said Chris.
The Blums dedication to helping is garnering them attention. They were presented with a special certificate of recognition--signed by the governonr--on Saturday afternoon.
They said more volunteers are needed to help with flood buyout properties. They said if you're interested in volunteering contact the United Way.
