After several years of fighting with the catastrophe that is the Moellering basement, the federal government has finally stepped forward and appropriately declared the area a federal disaster area. “Officials came to check things out about two weeks ago,” said Craig Fugate FEMA Director. “I was informed by our team about the crisis and then spoke with the President, who later came to survey the damage. President Obama was shocked and saddened by what he saw, and hopes that the damage is isolated to just the Moellering home at this time.” Director Fugate says there is no timetable on the cleanup at this time. “Right now, it is about isolating the problem and relocating the Moellering family,” said Fugate. “The cleanup process could take months, and thousands of man hours, at a considerable cost. But, we want the family safe, and that is our first priority.”
The FEMA crew arrived at the Moellering home a week ago adorned in hazmat suits prepared for the challenge that lie ahead. “We know there are old paint cans, random tools, glues and adhesives, along with thousands of old toys and kids clothes,” said FEMA team leader Greg Artz. “This is going to be one of our toughest challenges, and many on this crew were involved with Katrina.” The Moellering family initially tried to handle the problem on their own, but after years of neglect and build up, it was clear it was much too big a problem for the family. “We tried to do a spring cleaning,” said Anthony Moellering. “We would bring items out to sell for the Stapleton Garage Sale, and would even recycle and discard items. I guess we just got behind. And eventually, it was too much for us.”
The Stapleton family even engaged the community for help, but alas, the project was too big. “There had to be at least 100 volunteers taking things out in yard trash bags,” said Stapleton neighbor and volunteer Jon Mason. “People were working eight hour shifts, and people were in there round the clock. But, unfortunately, it is a reminder that sometimes nature is just too powerful for mankind.” Fugate says his team is prepared for a long battle. “We have been in these situations before, and we can only do what we can do. Are we going to battle it until the end? Absolutely, but we aren’t magicians. We are just hoping and working for the best.” Moellering says he is pleased with the response of FEMA at this point. “Some of this was self-inflicted,” says Moellering. “We have to accept what nature’s plan is for us. If it is to leave this home and find another, so be it. We loved this home, but the most important thing is that we are safe. We hope nothing like this has happened to anyone else in our community.” ]]>