Hillsboro Business Suffers Storm Damage

Repair and Restoration

The recent storm inflicted significant damage to Kids Space and Juice Light, two beloved local businesses in Hillsboro. Gamestanza learned that the deluge of rain caused water to leak through the roof, creating a cascade of water inside both establishments. This unexpected deluge forced the immediate closure of both businesses for five days as crews worked diligently to repair the damage.

Martha Vizuet, owner of Juice Light, described the harrowing experience: “I felt like a big waterfall coming down, and I thought the roof was gonna fall.” She and her staff sprang into action, using whatever they could find to contain the water, including buckets and even trash cans.

Next door, Javier Torres, owner of Kids Space, detailed the extent of the damage: “This area was impacted, right in the center, roughly about right here. With just how fast and violently that hail was, it was able to pierce the membrane. It was able to make enough holes in it that water was able to get through.”

The damage extended beyond the initial leaks. Torres explained that a vent had been displaced, adding to the flow of water into the building. Both owners reported having to remove damaged materials and repair weakened structural elements.

Financial Fallout

The storm’s impact extended far beyond the physical damage to the buildings. The forced closure of Kids Space and Juice Light resulted in substantial financial losses for both businesses. Gamestanza estimates that the combined cost of repairs, including materials and labor, exceeded $2,000.

Beyond the immediate repair costs, the closure also translated into lost revenue. Both businesses, which rely heavily on daily foot traffic and customer patronage, suffered significant income loss during the five-day shutdown.

Vizuet emphasized the financial strain: “Every dollar does count; we had to close. That’s two whole days of lost sales that we could’ve had, and also our employees lost those hours that they could’ve been working.”

These financial losses serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of small businesses to unexpected disruptions, highlighting the importance of comprehensive business continuity plans.

Community Support

In the wake of the storm, the Hillsboro community rallied around Kids Space and Juice Light, demonstrating the strength of local support networks. While Gamestanza did not uncover specific instances of direct financial assistance, the outpouring of concern and well wishes from the community likely provided invaluable emotional support to the owners and staff during a challenging time.

Vizuet expressed her gratitude for the support, stating: “I told them, I was like, ‘are you sure this isn’t going to happen again?’ At least they have two guys who are hard workers, and they fixed it.”

This community spirit underscores the crucial role that local support networks play in helping businesses recover from unexpected events.

Lessons Learned: Preparing for the Next Storm

Preventive Measures

The storm’s impact on Kids Space and Juice Light underscores the importance of proactive measures to mitigate potential damage from future weather events. Gamestanza recommends that businesses in similar situations consider the following:

• Roof Reinforcements: Investing in robust roofing materials and regular inspections can significantly reduce the risk of leaks during heavy rainfall or hailstorms.
• Flood Mitigation Strategies: For businesses located in flood-prone areas, implementing measures like elevated electrical systems, flood barriers, or sump pumps can help protect valuable equipment and inventory.
• Landscaping and Drainage: Ensuring proper landscaping and drainage systems around the building can direct water away from the foundation and prevent water buildup.

Business Continuity Planning

The closure of Kids Space and Juice Light highlights the importance of having a comprehensive business continuity plan in place. Such a plan should include:

• Communication Protocols: Establish clear communication channels with employees, customers, and suppliers in the event of a closure.
• Remote Work Options: Explore options for employees to work remotely if possible, minimizing disruption to operations.
• Data Backup and Recovery: Ensure that critical data is regularly backed up and can be quickly restored in the event of a power outage or other incident.
• Financial Contingency Planning: Develop strategies to manage cash flow and cover expenses during unexpected closures.

Gamers Unite

The Hillsboro gaming community, known for its strong sense of unity and support, has a unique opportunity to rally behind Kids Space and Juice Light during their recovery. Gamestanza encourages gamers to:

• Patronize the Businesses: Support these local businesses by making a point to visit and spend their money there. Every dollar counts in helping them rebuild.
• Spread the Word: Share information about the businesses’ reopening and encourage others to support them.
• Offer Assistance: If possible, consider offering assistance with cleanup efforts, repairs, or other tasks that can help ease the burden on the owners and staff.

By demonstrating solidarity and support, the gaming community can help ensure the long-term success of these beloved local businesses.