Safety Our #1 Concern 

Debris Removal Operations

Release Date: October 14, 2005
Release Number: 1604-069

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JACKSON, Miss. - In coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the State of Mississippi and local governments, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Mississippi Task Force Hope is currently working in 16 counties with contractor equipment and trucks to remove debris from public rights of way. Those counties include: Clarke, Covington, Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jones, Lamar, Leake, Lincoln, Newton, Perry, Pike and Walthall.

“Safety is our number one concern as heavy equipment and crews move from street to street removing debris,” said Michael Logue, chief, public affairs, Mississippi Task Force Hope. “We urge people to keep a number of things in mind that will help keep children safe and properties secure.”

- Keep children away from equipment and removal operations. Inquisitive children could be standing or playing in the equipment operator’s “blind” spot and may not be seen when equipment and trucks are being moved.

- Debris piles are full of broken items, glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Children could easily get injured playing in, around or on these heaps. These piles can also be havens for snakes, mice and rats, fire ants, ticks, red bugs, and bees.

- Piles of debris are potential fire hazards. Keep all open flames and lit cigarettes clear of these flammable materials.

- Unfamiliar animals may be roaming the area because fences have been knocked down by the storm. Children should not try to play with them even though they may appear friendly.

- Traffic will be disrupted. Streets may be restricted to one lane, and in some cases, temporarily blocked. Pay close attention to the flagmen for instructions and reduce your speed when children are present.

- Keep a safe distance behind trucks hauling debris. Some items may dislodge and hit cars behind or at the side or may fall on the roadway and obstruct cars following too close.

- Move cars from the debris pile area. This will make it easier for the equipment operator to pick up the material. It will also reduce the possibility of damage to property.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Oct-2005 13:11:52