Hurricane Helene hit Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph. So far, 22 people have died. And while there has been widespread flooding, including the densely populated cities of Tampa and St.
That’s because of the 5- to 10-foot-high barrier known as the AquaFence, which is popular in many fields because it appears to protect the only Level 1 trauma center.
As #HurricaneHelene continues, the AquaFence at TGH stands strong. The waterproof barrier is designed to withstand a storm surge of up to 15 feet. Worked through multiple rain events to prevent stormwater from affecting hospital operations. #SikhonaTGH #StormWatch pic.twitter.com/papsd6oPg2
– Tampa General Hospital (@TGHCares) September 27, 2024
AquaFence was founded in 1999 and has offices in Norway and New Jersey. According to the company’s website, its plans “protect more than $30 billion in real estate in the United States alone,” including everything from hotels to gas stations to Shake Shack.
The product is designed to be installed quickly and (ideally) easily. In 2023, AquaFence USA President Thomas Briedis told local outlet, WTSP Tampa 10, that 100 feet of AquaFence can be installed in 30 minutes.
“They come folded, like a laptop,” he said. “Take them out of the crate, put them on the floor and open them.”
Briedis also said the company is working on a line of residential AquaFences, which can cost about $20,000. The barriers are designed to protect against a Category 5 hurricane.
“We’re very confident in the program. It’s been well researched,” Briedis told the outlet.
