LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Like many people across Kentucky, Clifton residents are shoveling snow off their driveways and sidewalks this week. Those closest to Givaudan Sense Colour are also trying to keep the winter weather out of their homes.
Some of residents closest to the plant are still without heat, so they're just as cold standing in their homes as they are on the sidewalk.
"There's icicles growing from the ceiling," Patrick Livers said.
He has spent years working on his house, which is right next to Givaudan's plant. Since the explosion, he has been left with a sagging roof, busted window frames, cracked walls, and ceiling leaks.
"The engineer initially said it looks like some exterior walls have to come down," Livers recalled.
As a contractor, Livers believes he could have some of the work done already. However, he has to hold out for the insurance company's approval.
"Everything moves at a glacial pace," he said. "Even if they gave me the 'okay' to start working tomorrow, now I have to wait. I have a foot of ice to melt first."
WDRB spoke with Livers in late November about the additional challenges the cold weather might bring. However, what we've seen this week was far beyond what he imagined.
"The damage is worse," Livers said. "But it can't get that much worse unless one of these trees back here decides to fall down."
The damage leaves room for snow, ice, bugs, and small animals to get inside the home, but Livers has also seen issues with people breaking in.
"I've had probably two or three times come by where people clearly have been rummaging through things and whatnot," Livers said.
He's been staying at an apartment with his young sons since the explosion.
Livers originally hoped to move back into the house by spring or early summer. Now, those plans will need to be pushed back.
"It's frustrating," he said. "It's challenging, but we'll get there eventually."
A Givaudan spokesperson says clean up is underway at the site. Representatives from the company and Crawford & Co Insurance will have community meetings for Clifton residents. Those are scheduled for Wednesday, January 15 and 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the United Crescent Hill Ministries, located at 150 State Street.
For property assessments, repair follow-ups, and insurance-related questions, residents can contact Crawford & Co. at (404) 913-1949. Emails can also be sent to givaudanclaims@us.crawco.com.
For questions directly related to Givaudan, call or text (502) 341-2903. Emails can also be sent to communitysupport@ddwcolor.com.
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- Givaudan employee describes 'lots of leaks' at Louisville plant that exploded
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