"We were really taken care of by Falkins"

Almost everyone in Cranbrook Remembers the midsummer storm that struck the city on July 27, 2010.  Power was knocked out in many parts of the community, fallen trees and lightning strikes caused property damage and the streets resembled rivers as rain and water from overflowing storm sewers spilled over sidewalks.

Lynda and Maurice Boulaine remember that day well; as the storm began to subside, they discovered their basement was filling with water; the city's overflowing drainage pipes were backing up into the homes of many residents, including the Boulaines'.

"Anything that was on the floor, the furniture and the walls-they were all damaged," said Maurice. "We had to cut back all the drywall downstairs-two bedrooms and the rumpus room."

The Boulaines were naturally dismayed, more so because their home had already sustained previous water damage. Both the main floor and basement of their bungalow had been damaged a few years ago when the ice maker in their refrigerator sprang a leak when the Boulaines were out of town. Lynda was heartsick then, and those feelings returned when the couple discovered the flooding in their basement the second time.

The first call the Boulaines made was to their insurance adjuster, Gerry French with Falkins Insurance.

"He came up and had a look and said we were covered," said Maurice. "And right away, we were able to have the contractors come in with the fans and they started the cleanup that day. Gerry walked us through everything and everything was cool."

"He's a very nice man," added Lynda.

One of the things that most impressed the Boulaines was the immediate attention they got from Falkins. As Lynda pointed out, their house wasn't the only place in town affected by the storm; people and businesses throughout Cranbrook were reporting flooding. But while French had many people to see that day, the attention and follow-through the Boulaines received made them feel like the most important clients he had at that moment.

The basement has been completely restored: the drywall was cut back, replaced and repainted; new carpets are in place and the rooms have all been refurnished. Life is back to normal for the Boulaines, but they have a greater appreciation for the company that made it possible.

"They came in, they knew what they were doing and once they got in here, they took care of it right away," said Maurice.

"We were really taken care of by Falkins," agreed Lynda.