Potential Hazards Lurk In Debris
Release Date: July 20, 2001
Release Number: 1378-21
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms & Flooding
Charleston, WV -- As the huge task of removing tons of debris left behind by the recent severe storms and floods progresses, disaster officials remind residents of storm damaged areas that flood debris can be hazardous.
Debris removal teams are asking that people with debris separate the waste and place it in three distinct piles at the curb to be picked up by the National Guard.
Potentially hazardous household waste should be placed in one pile to be disposed of in an approved landfill. Hazardous household waste includes aerosol cans, kitchen cleaners, oil products, fertilizer, paints and varnishes, caustic cleaning compounds, pesticides, drain cleaners, flammable liquids, and similar products found in the garage or under the sink in any home.
In the second pile, large appliances, so-called "white goods" such as refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and metal cabinets, will be collected separately and recycled as scrap.
The third pile, non-metal household furnishings, building materials, carpeting, perishable materials, and trash will be hauled to a transfer station for disposal.
"A flood leaves many hazards in its wake," said Stephen S. Kappa, director of the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services. "We urge everyone involved in the clean up to be very cautious when disposing of flood damaged materials."
Last Modified: Tuesday, 21-Oct-2003 10:34:41