On March 4th, a devastating tornado tore through Irving, Texas, causing extensive damage to the Irving Police Department’s Family Advocacy Center (FAC). The tornado lifted the roof off the building and spread rainwater throughout, leading to significant damage to the facility. In the aftermath of the storm, BMS CAT’s disaster recovery team stepped in to help restore the building and support the FAC team as they continue their mission to serve victims of violent crime in the community.
Extensive Damage and Immediate Response
As described in a recent video shared by the City of Irving, the damage to the Irving Police Department’s Family Advocacy Center was severe. The roof of the building was completely removed, leaving the facility exposed to the elements. Water quickly spread throughout the space, affecting the structure and leaving wet materials behind. “It was raining in here essentially,” said Abel Mendoza, BMS CAT Project Manager. Wet sheetrock was removed, and infrared cameras were used to assess moisture levels throughout the building.
The damage was particularly challenging given the sensitive nature of the services the FAC provides. The center offers critical support for victims of violent crimes, including child abuse and domestic violence. The facility is specially equipped for confidential interviews and therapy sessions with victims. With the building compromised, the staff faced the challenge of continuing to provide these vital services while working in temporary locations.
The Importance of Disaster Recovery in Sensitive Environments
BMS CAT responded quickly to the FAC’s need for restoration services. The team worked tirelessly to remove wet materials and assess the structural integrity of the building. Crews from BMS CAT were essential in beginning the cleanup and removing moisture from the affected areas. Although the building sustained significant damage, the FAC team’s work continues, thanks to the efforts of BMS CAT and the community’s resilience.
Temporary arrangements have been made to ensure that services for victims continue. Some of the staff, including child abuse investigators and victim services personnel, have temporarily moved to alternate locations within the Criminal Justice Center. Despite the challenges, the FAC remains committed to serving the community. “We’re going to figure out every way we can to serve clients, supporting one another in the process,” said Heather Koval, Irving Police Department Victim Services Manager.
A Silver Lining Amid Destruction
The tornado struck just 30 minutes before staff were scheduled to arrive, and fortunately, no one was in the building at the time. No injuries were reported, which was a huge relief considering the severity of the storm. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the staff at the Family Advocacy Center are focusing on what they are grateful for—being able to continue their work, supported by BMS CAT’s swift response.
As the restoration efforts continue, BMS CAT’s team is working closely with the FAC staff to ensure that the building is safe and that all confidential documents have been carefully removed. The exact timeline for the building’s restoration remains uncertain, but it is expected to take several months.
Watch the Full Video and Learn More
The video shared by the City of Irving provides a closer look at the tornado damage and the ongoing efforts of both BMS CAT and the FAC team to ensure that services for the community continue despite the destruction.
Why Choose BMS CAT?
BMS CAT’s ability to handle large-scale disasters, such as the tornado damage at the Irving Police Department’s Family Advocacy Center, highlights its expertise in disaster recovery. With a team that can mobilize quickly and provide expert service, BMS CAT ensures that vital facilities, like the Family Advocacy Center, can continue their mission despite the damage.
Whether dealing with water, wind, or structural damage, BMS CAT’s restoration services are designed to efficiently restore properties and minimize downtime. Learn more about our disaster recovery services to ensure your organization is prepared for any unforeseen events.