Specially designed machines to quickly dry damaged furniture and rooms line the hallway near a section of Galva Courtyard Estates after the sprinkler system malfunctioned, sending water into several of the residents’ rooms. [Photo by Diana Whitney]

In the early hours of Wednesday, Jan. 17., water cascaded from the overhead sprinklers at Galva Courtyard Estates, dousing several of the residents’ rooms and causing water damage. The culprit, according to the official word, was the frigid temperatures, and last week’s sprinkler incident marks the second time in three months that the Galva Fire Department responded to the activation of the automatic alarm system at the facility.

While there was no fire that triggered the alarm, the GFD stayed on the scene to assist the staff in moving residents into the main living areas while the building was thoroughly checked.

Both times, workers from a restoration company arrived quickly to address the damage caused by the water. Residents who were affected were assured of a place to sleep, with most able to return to their rooms as repairs continued.

Large dehumidifiers were placed in the water-damaged rooms while structural damage to the baseboards, carpets, windowsills and furniture were addressed. Adding to the mix, the furnace that heats the main dining room has not been working, and some residents have chosen to eat meals in their rooms.

According to Vice President of Operations for Assisted Living Facilities, Doug Currier, the sprinkler company has been contacted for assistance in preventing further water problems and repair parts have been ordered for the furnace. He expects both issues will be resolved in short order.

“The recent bout of extreme weather has created water and furnace problems for many,” said Currier, “but we are confident that things will be back to normal soon.”

Residents were quick to say that the staff is wonderful. Even with staffing shortages affecting almost all healthcare facilities, the Galva Courtyard’s employees were praised as being “top-notch” and “ever-present.”

“The nurses and other staff here at Courtyard are great,” said resident Ann Smith, “They are all so attentive and work very hard to make this place feel like home.”

Smith gave much credit to the facility’s director, Melissa Fox, saying “Melissa goes above and beyond to make our life here as good as can be.”