Tree Cleanup Crews Make Way for EMTs
Gregg County, Texas recently saw another round of severe weather resulting in downed trees and debris littering streets, properties even on homes. For cleanup crews, work isn’t all just removal and disposal, downed trees can lead to power issues and safety related concerns and in this case, residents trapped in their homes. Bailey’s Tree & Lawn Service got a call from a woman trapped inside her home by a downed tree. She and another resident had medical issues and EMTs could not gain access. Bailey’s responded to the call and were able to remove the tree allowing the residents to get the medical attention they needed. Bailey’s Tree & Lawn serves about a 70-mile radius around the Tyler, Texas area and see’s no shortage of work during storm season.
Information gathered from KLTV website. Read original article here - https://www.kltv.com/2024/05/29/east-texas-tree-cutters-save-trapped-residents-after-tuesday-storms/
Contractors Gear Up for Busy Hurricane Season
While Floridians are starting to prepare for hurricane season, contractors like IEM International, which works with governments before, during, and after storms are prepping business plans. IEM CEO Bryan Koon emphasizes the importance of pre-season preparation, especially with NOAA predicting an above-average hurricane season. Even a mild season can produce dangerous storms, and a busy season can strain resources.
Koon highlights the public’s unawareness of the extensive pre-season work done by response contractors. Companies like IEM finalize contracts with governments to ensure a swift response when disaster strikes. This includes securing stand-by contracts, establishing mutual aid agreements, and promoting preparedness messaging to reduce storm damage.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated billions for emergency response, but not all of these funds have been used. While $18 billion has been earmarked for Florida’s disaster relief, only $13 billion has been disbursed since 2017. This means response contractors may need to cover some initial costs.
In addition to contractor preparation, residents also play a vital role. Koon advises residents to stock up on supplies, review insurance policies, and take steps to minimize hurricane impact on their homes. By working together, contractors, governments, and residents can ensure a more effective hurricane response. Information gathered from Florida Politics website. Read original article here - https://floridapolitics.com/archives/676836-emergency-response-contractor-iem-gets-ready-for-intense-hurricane-season/
Houston Residents to See Multiple Rounds of Debris Removal
Residents and storm cleanup crews in Houston are working together to clear debris left behind by the recent storm. Homeowners like Dave Nickerson are sorting and chopping branches for easy pick-up by the City's Solid Waste Department.
The department is making its first pass through neighborhoods, aiming to complete three rounds of collection in the next three months. Crews can only collect debris placed on the curbside due to liability restrictions. Mark Wilfalk, director of solid waste, encouraged residents in an interview with ABC 13 to move debris from their property to the city right-of-way for collection.
Meanwhile, on the city's north side, Leslie Williams is helping his sister clear debris after contractors hired by CenterPoint Energy left large trunks blocking her driveway. While frustrated, Williams acknowledges the long hours put in by both utility crews and city workers. "Look, I'm a working man. As horrible as that was, they did a good job. Even as the guys who are coming in from everywhere else. Surpassed. Great job," he said in an interview with ABC 13.
CenterPoint clarifies that they remove limbs during routine maintenance, but not storm debris. Residents must place storm debris at the curb for collection by either the City of Houston or Harris County. Information gathered from ABC 13 Eyewitness News website. Read original article here - https://abc13.com/post/houston-storm-recovery-solid-waste-department-urges-residents/14892660/
