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An exterior view of the Granulation Building in Manatí, Puerto Rico shows severe damage caused by Hurricane Maria.
Name: Alcides Hernandez
Role: Maintenance Coordinator
Site: Manatí, Puerto Rico
Storm: Hurricanes Irma and Maria, September 2017
How are things at home now?
Months later, there’s a crack in the roof, and it’s still there. The paint is deteriorated from where the water has been coming in. I still don’t have electricity, and I just got water back in January. Many of the highways are falling apart and crumbling.
How did it feel to be part of the site’s recovery?
After the storm, it felt impossible. Everything I have, I owe to this company. I saw trees, air conditioning vents and production equipment destroyed and walls that looked like they exploded off buildings. When things are normal, you make a call, put in an order, and the job is done. But when everyone around you is just looking to fix their lives, you feel like your hands are tied.
What was the work like?
I got back to the site on September 25, the Monday after the storm – as soon as I could make it out of my home and on the highway. The next day, I was back full time. It was our responsibility to take care of what happened. Levees had broken and trenches were flooded. Trees were down all over, security fences were broken and there was no electricity. We had to pull together a new electrical system with generators. On a few of the buildings, walls had collapsed. There was also not much access to water or places to eat. We had to improvise. We were working 12, 13, 14-hour days. The day’s work went into the night, and it was a continuous cycle.
When you think back on that experience, what stands out to you?
That our company, BASF, was a huge support to employees. They provided us with everything from cash, to food, water and even gasoline containers – which were so hard to find on the island.
Honestly, there is not a single complaint from myself, my family or any of the employees at the Manatí site. BASF never abandoned us, and we continue to feel that way. They continue to call and ask, “How are you? What do you need?” It has truly been something extraordinary.
What made your team successful in navigating the challenges?
Do you know what a machete is? Well, here, we got out machetes and hand saws. Not just one, a lot of us. There was no distinction in personnel, no hierarchy. We had to fight and pick ourselves up. After we got up and running, some outsiders said that it looked like nothing happened on our site; it was so put together despite the hurricane.
The entire time, our site manager was a pillar of strength. He was a person that supported, helped and led us. He was always thinking about his employees. Ricardo Morales did not fail us a single day. When you see the captain of your ship working side-by-side with you until your ship is safe, you, as an employee, follow the lead and want to give your all to the job because that’s what they’ve done
Role: Laboratory Technician II
Site: Manatí, Puerto Rico
Storm: Hurricanes Irma and Maria, September 2017
What was it like for you at home after the storm?
There was practically no method of communication. We had minor damage to our home, but we still do not have electricity. We actually lost electricity during Hurricane Irma, and it was gone throughout Hurricane Maria. Once Maria hit, we lost water too. We got it back pretty quickly – thank goodness – one week after the storm. One of the hardest parts was not being able to get in touch with everyone.
What kept you going?
Once all the employees were reported in, we realized we were okay – thank God. Many people lost so much. Thankfully, everything is material, and we are all okay. It was difficult. I wish we could have gone back sooner to ensure there wasn’t any hold up in production. But our determination kept us going. After this hurricane, we knew that everyone was personally impacted and despite that, we all came back with more determination and more strength to move things forward.
What about your family members? Did they worry about you?
My family wasn’t worried about me returning to work. If anything, they saw it as a positive thing. They thought we got back into production quickly, and it was a sign that things in Puerto Rico were starting to normalize, despite the hurricane.
What stands out most to you about that experience?
BASF has been amazing to us. I stood in line at Costco for four hours just to get water. I went the next day, and there was none left. But then there was a feeling of tranquility and comfort when we received a text message that said, “Come to the Manatí site to receive supplies.” BASF gave us so much at the time when we needed it the most, and we are so grateful.
Manatí, Puerto Rico: Before and after the cleanup
An interior view of the Granulation Building in Manatí, Puerto Rico shows severe damage caused by Hurricane Maria.
The entrance to the Manatí site's Administration Building, taken one day after Hurricane Maria struck.
Name: Coby Leger
Title: Production Specialist
Site: Freeport, Texas
Storm: Hurricane Harvey
Name: Chris Witte
Title: Site Manager
Site: Freeport, Texas
Storm: Hurricane Harvey
“My team and I helped keep water down at our new construction site and prevented days of construction downtime due to high water. We also fed the troops – 300 people on day shifts and 175 at night. They were so appreciative. It made the long hours away from family worthwhile. We got to talk to technicians at meal times and hear what they were going through. That’s what made it all real – it really hurt.”
Name: Gus Campos
Title: EHS Specialist III
Site: Freeport, Texas
Storm: Hurricane Harvey
“On Saturday night at around 2 a.m., we received a call that a major drainage district pump failed and threatened to flood the area. We had 19 large diesel water pumps on hand, so we were ready and had spares. In the middle of a blinding rainstorm and winds, our team went out and moved four of our pumps into position to help keep the county dry. The team recognized the problem, knew we were stable and made the right, timely decision – which is the definition of a great team.”
“During Harvey, we got a large truck from the site and drove into Lake Jackson to sandbag employees’ homes. I also worked with the Latin American Employee Group to organize volunteers for colleagues who were inundated when the bayous, rivers and lakes started overflowing. Freeport has a volunteering spirit. People are always out there in the community, always helping.”
No Texas site was spared during Hurricane Harvey, but in Freeport, community efforts were the focus. Here are few highlights from the countless acts of service and teamwork.
Although the Port Arthur team’s experience during Harvey was profound, it’s far from unique. Behind every catastrophic storm, there are stories of colleagues taking charge to navigate extreme operational challenges. We asked employees to share theirs.
Storm stories
