Can Vacuum Trucks Be Used in Storm Clean Up? 4 Things You Need to Know
March is here which means that spring is finally on our doorstep. While this is great news for those who are ready for it to finally warm up, it also means that thunderstorms and other severe weather are key factors to consider. All across the country, hail, high winds, and tornadoes pose threats all throughout the spring and early summer. The clean up following these types of storms can be both extremely costly and time consuming. On top of that, they can also be dangerous and call for search and rescue crews. Thankfully, vacuum trucks can play a significant role in expediting these efforts as well as making them safer.
If you have never considered using vacuum trucks for storm clean up, our Flowmark team has some helpful information below. Whether you are a private contractor or you are a city planner looking for reasons to invest in a vacuum truck, you will want to check out this blog:
#1.) Prepare in Advance
Does your city or municipality have issues with an outdated sewer system? Do you find it difficult to stay on top of the system’s maintenance, service, and upkeep? If so, this fact alone could spell trouble for your city in general. It is especially concerning if you are in a region that sees the brunt of severe weather season.
This spring, get your city prepared in advance by using vacuum trucks. You can use vacuum trucks proactively to ensure that your storm drains and sewers are cleaned out and functioning properly prior to severe weather season. While purchasing new equipment might seem like a lofty line item budget, know that the investment will be worth it in the long run. After all, severe weather doesn’t just cost money, but it could cost citizens their homes and lives as well.
#2.) Service Flooded Areas
Heavy rains and flash floods are common with severe weather. Even if you used vacuum trucks to prepare in advance as mentioned above, emergencies can still happen. In the event that severe flooding does still occur, it is imperative that you service the flooded areas as soon as possible. This is especially important if sewers are impacted, as the flooded waters could contain human waste or other hazardous materials. Vacuum trucks can be a valuable tool in these emergency situations.
#3.) Safe and Effective Clean Up
Flood waters are dangerous for two main reasons. One, because flooded areas are unpredictable. It is difficult to tell how fast waters are moving and if the water is high enough, it also might be difficult to tell what exactly is underneath the surface. Second, as mentioned above, the waters could contain potentially hazardous materials, including those that present a biological concern. If you are going to remove flood waters, you need to do so in a way that is both effective and safe.
That is where vacuum trucks come in. Many trucks, such as septic service trucks or oilfield tankers, are designed and equipped to handle a wide array of dangerous materials. This means that by utilizing a vacuum truck, you can remove and relocate waters in the safest way possible. This will bring peace of mind to both storm clean up crew as well as the citizens impacted by the flooding.
#4.) Rescue Efforts
When you envision the equipment used in search and rescue, you probably conjure images of firetrucks, bucket trucks, and ambulances. However, there is an unsung hero that shouldn’t be quickly written off, and that’s the vacuum truck.
For example, if there are citizens or animals trapped in an area that has been flooded or washed out with mud and silt, it isn’t always safe for rescuers to head on in immediately. They could be putting themselves at risk and could cause more collateral damage. That is why they need a clear route to be able to access the impacted person and get them out safely. A vacuum truck can work to clear out the blockage and give rescue workers a way to easily and safely access the victims.
Investing In Safety
As you can see, vacuum trucks play a vital role in storm clean up. As severe weather looms ahead, making an investment in this kind of equipment will be invaluable to you as a municipality. If you are a private contractor or independently operate your own septic service business, it would be wise to get contracts with your city to be readily available in the face of these kinds of emergency situations.
Remember that you can’t put a price tag on safety and peace of mind! Once you have used a vacuum truck for storm clean up once, you will see how invaluable they truly are. If you aren’t sure where to start looking for a vacuum truck for sale, we suggest the quality, American-made machines we sell at Flowmark.
Vacuum Trucks from Flowmark
Manufactured right here in the heartland, all of our vacuum trucks are built to last and withstand the toughest jobs, including servicing sewer systems, cleaning out grease traps, and yes, even storm clean up. When purchasing equipment with this kind of price tag, however, you want to make sure that you are truly getting your money’s worth. All too often, people make the mistake of buying used or outdated equipment that fails to get the job done. You don’t have to worry about that with a Flowmark machine.
Our company is founded on the key principles of quality, efficiency, reliability, affordability, and availability. We strive to create products and provide customer service that upholds each and every one of these guiding principles. That is why you can rest assured that when you drive off the lot with a Flowmark truck, our services don’t stop there. We will continue to provide you with support well after you’ve made your purchase.
To get a free estimate for your business, contact us today! We guarantee same day quotes so that you don’t have to wait around to make a financial decision. Financing options are also available to those who qualify.