Diane Whittles helps keep local businesses doors open

9/12/2017 (Permalink)

Diane helps local historical sites, businesses and residences to stay open after a disaster.

Whether it's a coastal storm, tidal flooding or the long-term reality of sea level rise, properties and public spaces within the flood hazard area are at risk.  Even the most conservative projections indicate that we might anticipate an increase in sea level and flood elevations of nearly 4 ft. by 2100. Annapolis and the surrounding area have many historical buildings,commercial businesses and monuments in these zones.  Area leaders are working on plans to minimize the effect on our local history. Weather It Together is the Annapolis community-based planning initiative designed to adapt communities to minimize the risks associated with flooding.

Diane Whittles, owner of SERVPRO® of Annapolis/Severna Park and SERVPRO® of Edgewater/Deale-Churchton/Lothian has over 40 years of experience with flooding and the effects it can have on individuals, businesses and cities.  She has seen the devastation and financial toll that water damage can have. Making every effort to help people prepare for these situations is a key component of Diane’s messaging, she would like to help people avoid disasters.   This fell right in line with the Weather It Together initiative. Each month WIT hosts a guest speaker that shares research, experiences or strategies they have been a part of.  Ellicott City leaders, Office of Emergency Management, FEMA, DNR, Historic Preservation Council and many more have all participated and collaborated to educate our community.

The collaboration doesn’t stop locally, Keeping History Above Water will be hosting its second annual conference in Annapolis, October 29-31 to share best practices, promote dialogue and engage new audiences.  Session speakers will include Dr. David Guggenheim, President, Ocean Doctor Inc., James B, Balocki, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Facilities), and Annapolis’s very own, Lisa Craig, Chief of Historic Preservation. Mrs. Whittles choose to be a sponsor of the conference to help spread awareness of flooding issues and be a resource for those who are effected by flooding and water damage.  SERVPRO has been a unique added value to WIT and the KHAW group. Their experience in post disaster assistance has helped people understand the long-term effects from flooding and the cost to recover. In partnership with KHAW and WIT Diane and her team are continuing to serve the community in which they hold so dear.