HINSDALE, Ill. – Tiffany Cruickshank, the owner of Peak Lifestyle, is still coming to grips with the aftermath of a burst pipe that flooded her store.
Early Sunday, she received a call from the police around 3:15 AM. The store’s ceiling was pouring water. “It was shocking,” she said, recalling the chaos.
Videos captured the scene as water gushed from above. “Ninety percent of our merchandise was out front, and it was all soaking wet,” Cruickshank noted. The Hinsdale Fire Department rushed in to help, but by then, damage had already occurred.
The cause of the burst pipe is still a mystery. Cruickshank wonders if the severe cold weather in recent days played a role. Most of her stock consists of high-end apparel, and she estimates damages in the thousands.
This incident hits hard for Cruickshank, who has poured her heart into running her shop for the past four years. “It’s tough,” she admitted, but she remains focused on the future.
Cleaning and rebuilding are now a priority. “I work every day, and there isn’t a weekend off. This store means everything to me,” she shared. Despite the challenges, she hopes to reopen Peak Lifestyle within a few weeks.
In the meantime, she’s encouraging customers to support her other locations in the suburbs.
According to the National Flood Insurance Program, more than 90% of flooding occurs outside of high-risk areas, affecting many small businesses like Peak Lifestyle. When disasters happen, community support can make a significant difference.
For more insights on flood preparedness and business resilience, consider checking resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
As Tiffany rebuilds, the story of her strength and determination is an inspiration.
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