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When a Government Shutdown Stalls Tarpon Springs, FL Roofing Projects

(Info from Gulf Coast Storm Pulls Federal Workers Off Furlough, The New York Times, October 4, 2013)

It’s been several days since the federal government finally decided to end the third-longest government hiatus in U.S. history. For the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), however, no shutdown could prevent them from doing their job while Tropical Storm Karen barreled through the Florida Panhandle in early October, as well as other states.

The storm is putting hundreds into action who were otherwise waiting for Congress to sort things out. While the National Hurricane Center remained almost fully staffed despite the shutdown, teams of federal liaisons with the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been called out of furlough, as have some Congressional staff members.

“We will not let the government shutdown in Washington in any way hurt our emergency response efforts in Florida,” said Gov. Rick Scott in a statement.

Then again, as long as the shutdown continued, even after the storm, federal employees will return on furlough. National Hurricane Center spokesman Dennis Feltgen believes it’s the case for him.

Once the storm makes landfall, it is expected to head up through Georgia and the Carolinas, raising the prospect of flooding and tornadoes.

And after that, Mr. Feltgen said, “if Congress hasn’t settled this issue, I’ll probably go back on furlough.”

Indeed, you can expect FEMA to continue to work during a government shutdown primarily for its disaster-related tasks or programs. However, just in case things turn south, better have Tarpon Springs, FL roofing contractors check and fix your roof the soonest time possible.

This year’s shutdown left many federal agencies partially closed or shutdown, affecting multiple industries including roofing. For instance, a housing project in Iowa was put on hold as FEMA needed to assess the land whether or not the houses sit on a flood plain and basements are acceptable. Without a federal agency on the job, the said project will definitely face a number of delays.

Furthermore, the shutdown can happen at anytime, including times when storms are in season. If you decide to get a building permit for a major roofing job in the midst of a shutdown, state workers may be furloughed. Keep in mind that Florida demands a building permit for major projects.

Stay up-to-date with what’s happening to the federal government to make clearer decisions. For that matter, don’t waste a second to have Tarpon Springs roofing companies like Arry’s Roofing Services, Inc. check and fix your roof. Lastly, hope for the best that there won’t be another temporary halt in government services.

(Info from Gulf Coast Storm Pulls Federal Workers Off Furlough, The New York Times, October 4, 2013)