Tropical Storm Helene: Shore Acres, prone to flooding, prepares with home hardening expert

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Shore Acres residents know exactly what a storm like Helene can bring. They’re already prone to flooding and fear water will flood their homes again, but one man went door-to-door offering help to homeowners.

He installed flood barriers at their doorsteps that would normally cost thousands.

“It’s terrifying. The information we’re getting is that it’s going to be as bad, maybe even worse, than Idalia. As far as flooding, rising water levels,” said Kevin Batdorf, president of the Shores Acres Civic Association.

TO READ: Gulfport boat owners affected by Debby are now bracing for the aftermath of Helene

One neighbor spends his days before big storms helping others strengthen their homes with quick, cheap tips.

“Jeff has been a godsend to this area because he helps people like me who have had three water problems,” said Travis Failey, a Shore Acres resident.

Jeff Fuller has found a way to seal homes tightly, keeping them dry during the foot-level flooding last year in the homes he’s worked on. He’s installed Seal-n-Peel and barriers on dozens of homes in Shore Acres.

“Teaching these people how to flood-proof their homes, you know, maybe nobody will move,” Fuller said. “Maybe you won’t see another ‘for sale’ sign. I’ve had people show me how to flood-proof their homes and they’ve taken down their ‘for sale’ signs. So that’s the main goal.”

RELATED: Pinellas County officials expect ‘life-threatening’ storm surge from Helene

And he saves people the money that large commercial companies have to pay him by doing it all at cost, with no fees to himself.

“I’m a third or less of the commercial barriers. Some are 22% of their costs,” Fuller said.

One resident enlisted Fuller’s help on Tuesday, 48 hours before Helene made landfall.

“Jeff Fuller came over and said he did it at his house. So I asked him to come over today and start building and putting it together…this storm is going to be different than any other storm that’s ever happened in this area. Am I sure it’s going to work? Yes,” the neighbor said.

Fuller helps neighbors with the installation, but says much of the prep work can be done yourself… For more information, visit floodprepper.com.

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