Debris Removal On Private Property Up To Owner
Release Date: March 17, 2007
Release Number: 1686-018
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CORDELE, Ga. -- Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials remind private property owners with disaster-related debris it is the responsibility of the property owner to move it to curbside for pickup. Debris generated by repairs or demolition, paid for by insurance, should not be brought to the curb for pickup. Normally insurance coverage pays for the disposal of such debris.
Certain types of debris may be hazardous, and should not be handled by private property owners. If suspected hazardous debris material is found on private property, the property owner should immediately call the local 911 system or their local fire/rescue non-emergency number, so a local hazardous material handling team can determine if the debris is a hazard to public health and safety. If the suspect debris is determined a health threat, the government may remove it.
Common household and farm materials which could pose health or safety hazards include propane containers, petroleum-based solvents, cleaners and paints, asbestos-laden debris from unabated buildings and fertilizers or pesticides.
Property owners may be able to get assistance for debris removal from their insurance company or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Residents should be aware it is not unusual for haulers to claim a tie to federal or state agencies to obtain debris-removal jobs from homeowners. In fact, neither FEMA nor GEMA qualify, certify or approve individual contractors for debris removal.
FEMA and GEMA provide reimbursement on an agreed cost-share basis for debris removal costs from public property, including public rights-of-way under the Public Assistance (PA) program, which is geared toward local governments.
Under the March 3 federal disaster declaration and later amendments, 12 Georgia counties have been authorized to receive Public Assistance, which includes funds for debris removal: Baker, Clay, Crawford, McDuffie, Mitchell, Muscogee, Stewart, Sumter and Taylor, Warren, Webster, and Wilkinson.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
Last Modified: Monday, 19-Mar-2007 10:27:00