Texas deck collapse emphasizes importance of structural safety

Jun. 12—A recent incident in Texas serves as a reminder of how important it is to stay up to date with maintenance on outdoor structures, including decks, patios and gazebos.

Last week, a group of students attending a church camp in Surfside Beach, Texas, were posing for a group picture when the deck walkway they were standing on collapsed beneath them. As a result, 19 students were hospitalized. To avoid situations like that, Hayley Kruse of River Ridge Improvements in St. Joseph says knowing how you will use your structure is something to plan for at the time of construction.

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