One of the challenges in making predictions is being blindsided by items you could never have seen coming. Before last year, imagine someone telling you the country would be shut down for months, you could not go to a restaurant or church service for months, college basketball would stop the week before March Madness, and most schools would be closed for months (or in some cases, a year).

Hurricanes often leave behind some major damage. High winds, storm surges and battering waves can result in the destruction of homes and buildings, road and bridge damage, the erosion of coastlines, major flooding and loss of life.

The devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in the U.S., and the damage inflicted on Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria, is a grim reminder of the power of these storms and the widespread damage they leave in their wake.

In the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and the wildfires in Napa and Ventura counties, there is a new appreciation among insurance companies for disaster restoration and contents cleaning companies that utilize ultrasonic cleaning technology. Why? Well, not surprisingly, it boils down to money.

The initial wave of catastrophe work is done. It sure feels great to get home and back into your “regular” routine, not to mention your own bed! It is great to get back and not have to worry about everything.

The restoration industry provides vital services to our country in many of its times of deepest need and crisis. In return, our economy provides an opportunity for these restorers to capture enormous wealth.