On-Going Debris Removal High Priority For FEMA
Release Date: October 17, 2005
Release Number: 1604-075
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JACKSON, Miss. -- The cleanup and disposal of mountains of debris 11 million cubic yards to date continues to be a high priority for disaster recovery officials. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are orchestrating and monitoring debris operations while ensuring that guidelines are followed for the debris removed from private property.
"Removal of debris following hurricanes is a massive task," said Nick Russo, FEMA's federal coordinating officer in Mississippi . "It is FEMA's job to see that governments and private contractors have the information required for private property approval to perform this gigantic task."
FEMA's Public Assistance program provides funding to state and local governments for disaster-related emergency work, debris removal and repairs to, or replacement of, damaged infrastructure.
Normally, FEMA reimburses costs of removal only for debris that is on public property or that is placed on public rights-of-way by residents clearing their private property. However, in the case of Katrina-related debris, FEMA has relaxed that policy, at the state's request, to allow for debris removal from private property in six southern Mississippi counties -- George, Hancock Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone.
"We requested that residential debris be included for pickup and disposal when that property is identified as a health and safety hazard," said MEMA Director Robert Latham. "We're continually looking at ways to improve the health, safety and well-being of our communities and anticipate that more counties or municipalities will be made eligible for private property debris removal."
To date, FEMA's Public Assistance program has received requests for private property debris removal from the counties of George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone; and the cities of Bay St. Louis, Biloxi , D'Iberville, Gautier, Gulfport, Long Beach, Moss Point, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Waveland, and Wiggins.
For private property owners, caution is key when removing hurricane debris
Debris removal and disaster recovery go hand in hand. Federal and state recovery officials encourage residents to be cautious when removing storm debris from homes and roadways. The rubbish may contain any number of dangerous items.
Property owners will want to check with their local jurisdictions regarding debris removal schedules. Here are some safety guidelines to follow:
- Keep children away from debris piles. They can be full of broken materials, glass, nails, jagged wood, and other sharp items. Children can easily get injured playing in, around, or on trash heaps. The debris may also contain rodents or bugs, raising the possibility of bites.
- Watch children carefully when heavy equipment is in the area and debris removal operations are taking place. Small children may not be easily seen by equipment operators.
- Keep all open flames and lit cigarettes away from debris piles as they may contain flammable materials.
- Move your car from the debris pile area. This will make it easier for the equipment operator to pick up the materials and will reduce the possibility of damage to vehicle.
- Drive carefully when behind debris-loaded trucks. Materials can easily shift and fly out, causing an accident or driving hazard. Leave a safe distance between your car and the truck.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Oct-2005 13:01:17