AquaFence Protects Buildings From Flooding
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Life after Superstorm Sandy means finding new, innovative ways to protect buildings from flooding.
As CBS 2's Vanessa Murdock reported, instead of turning to sand bags, some are installing AquaFences.
At first glance, you might even wonder what it is.
"I first thought those things were mirrors (Murdock: So that New Yorkers can check themselves out?) yeah," said 8-year-old Elias Litman.
"I thought it was another bike station. That made me worried," said Patrick Cummings.
But what residents are seeing is actually meant to protect 110 Horatio St. from the likes of Sandy, Murdock reported.
The hurricane's storm surge swamped the building's basement in 8 feet of water. It took two and a half days to pump it all out.
In the wake of Sandy, building management took a proactive approach to flood protection.
"Anything that's a priority for the functioning of the building we've moved to a higher level," building management told Murdock.
They've also invested in an AquaFence.
"It's not going to be run over by the water," said AquaFence President Helge Krogenes.
Krogenes said the AquaFence is water resistant and constructed of some of the strongest materials around, including marine-grade batlic laminate, stainless steel, aluminum and reinforced PVC canvas. Seals underneath keep the flood water from getting into the building.
"You just place it on the pavement or the sidewalk and you are protected," Krogenes said.
If strong winds are predicted, the AquaFence can be bolted down.
The 250 feet of fence put up to protect the building only took a three hours to install.
The cost of the fence was about $150,000, Murdock reported.
"I think it's much smarter to spend in advance then deal with the consequences," said resident Eric Litman.
It's of interest to many New Yorkers as they look for ways to protect their property from future floods.
AquaFence said the fence has been tested and certified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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