The removal of roadside debris is beginning in Washington County.
Cleanup efforts are underway to eradicate trees, limbs, and other wreckage left behind by the effects of Hurricane Helene late last month.
According to the Washington County Emergency Management Agency, Southern Disaster Recovery began staging equipment yesterday for debris removal operations to start on Monday.
Southern Disaster Recovery is a rapid response contractor that specializes in post-catastrophe cleanup efforts.
“Please be patient as these trucks will be in the roadways,” said Russell Riner, Washington County EMA Director. “Watch for possible flagging personnel and be safe while driving.”
Debris will be picked up across Washington County on all county-owned roads and inside all Washington County city limits on city-owned roads.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is clearing debris on all state routes.
Riner states that the contractor is not permitted on private property.
To expedite the debris removal process and serve as many individuals as possible in a timely manner over the next few weeks, Southern Disaster Recovery advises citizens to adhere to the following advice.
1.) All debris should be placed at the curb of the road, but should not block any portion of the roadway.
2.) Do not place debris near trees, poles, fire hydrants, meters, or other structures as it creates a difficult situation for responding crews.
3.) Separate debris into categories: electronics (televisions and computers), large appliances (refrigerators, stoves, and air conditioners), hazardous waste (oil, paint, and cleaning supplies), vegetative debris (tree branches, logs, and leaves), construction debris (building materials, lumber, carpet, and furniture), and household garbage (bagged trash, paper, and packaging).
County and city officials state that it is imperative for vegetative debris to be separated from non-vegetative debris. The contractor will be unable to pick up any waste if trash piles are mixed.
As previously reported by WACO 100, the City of Sandersville recently explained why downed trees were being pushed to roadsides rather than being originally hauled away.
“Because this is a Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster, there are certain rules and procedures we have to follow with regards to storm cleanup. In order to ensure that we receive the 85 percent reimbursement between FEMA and the State, we must follow their rules – meaning a slower process for clean-up. Please know that we are committed to getting us back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.”
Southern Disaster Recovery will collect county-wide debris for a minimum of the next 30 days. Depending on the need and Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations, they may remain in Washington County even longer to continue the removal process.
The contractor will make multiple visits to all county roads and city streets over the next few weeks.
Citizens do not need to call the county or any city to request pick-up.
The City of Sandersville has also designated the empty lot next to the Animal Shelter at 430 Beck Boulevard as as a temporary staging area for vegetative debris for city residents who do not have sufficient right-of-way space to place their debris or who wish to have it removed prior to the arrival of the contracted crews.
Residents may drop off vegetative debris on any day during daylight hours. Only logs, limbs, and brush will be accepted.
In other relief-related news, property owners in need of tarps for their roofs may acquire them free of charge at the Sandersville Fire Station, while supplies last.
This week, in a service to their surrounding community, Fraser Roofing if offering free roof tarping and tree cutting services. Individuals may contact Fraser at 478-377-7663.
Sandersville Walmart is offering showers and laundry service to their associates and customers via mobile showers and laundering units. Laundry is limited to two loads per customer.
Additionally, Washington County Public Schools have shifted original plans to hold student classes on Monday to an In-service Day for only teachers and faculty.
Following a final weekend evaluation on Sunday, the school district decided that too many students remained without power and bus routes were still too hazardous for classes to restart as anticipated.
During the faculty In-service Day, teachers will provide student check-ins and contact the families of their homeroom students.
“We apologize for the late adjustment. As always, we appreciate your flexibility and support,” said Vickie Harden, Superintendent of Washington County Public Schools. “We look forward to seeing all of our students back on campus when we are sure it is safe.”
Also, despite normalcy being upended as of late, citizens should recall that today on Monday, October 7 is the final day to register to vote or change address for the upcoming November 5 General Presidential Election. Most absentee ballots will be delivered today.