We were informed this morning that businesses in the downtown Cedar Rapids area would be allowed into their properties, if they could access them via the skywalk, in order to recover what they needed. The time allotted would be from 11am to 1pm or so. A large contingent of our firm showed up at the designated entrance area, along with hundreds of other downtown employees. We were then told we would have 20 minutes, as they sent people in by building groups. Poeple from our building were one of the first ones allowed in. We ended up taking about 50 minutes, and that was with making just one trip up to, and back down from, the 10th through 12th floors. We had to go up and down blackened stairwells, which gave it all a cave-like feel. We were able to pull a number of files, telephones, and computers. Thankfully, our excellent office manager and Board made the decision to get our servers out when we were evacuated on Wednesday, so we have had network access except for two moving periods. Our firm is going to be setting up temporary offices in a Mt. Vernon, Iowa middle school for the foreseeable future. With internet access at home, I will be able to work from home.
Not long after they allowed downtown businesses in, they cut off access again, as it the Fire Department apparently decided that it was not safe yet.
We still do not know when power will be restored to the downtown area. Downtown will likely be non-functional for a few weeks, at least. Thankfully, the waters are receding, and are now two feet below the crest level.
The city's water supply is still a huge problem, as demand is outpacing supply. We have been told to use water for drinking purposes only. Unfortunately, we are hearing consistent reports that people are not taking the water supply problem seriously, and continue to wash their clothes and take showers. We will be out of water in 3-4 days if current usage patterns continue.
Here is a video of a boat tour of downtown Cedar Rapids, courtesy of The Gazette:
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