How to Stay Safe During Debris Removal in Western North Carolina | DPS-CN

Emergency crews continue to clear debris in western North Carolina following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Residents are reminded to exercise caution when removing debris from their property.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) continues to remove road debris in Western North Carolina and is working on additional agreements with counties and municipalities to facilitate this process. So far, 10 counties and 19 affected cities and towns have signed agreements with NCDOT contractors to facilitate debris removal.

"We are grateful to our county and municipal partners who have really stepped up and stepped up to the plate to remove this debris," said Mark Gibbs, NCDOT deputy chief engineer for Western North Carolina. "This is another great example of how NCDOT is working with our counties and communities to accelerate the recovery process."

For any debris in the city and on city-maintained streets, residents should check with their city about the cleanup plan in their area. You can verify that your path is preserved at https://apps.ncdot.gov/SRLookup.

Meanwhile, state and local partners are working to clear debris along the highway. The removal of construction waste on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. "If you choose open burning to facilitate the removal of natural vegetation on your property, you must keep in mind that human activity is one of the most common causes of wildfires," said Fire Department Assistant Chief Marshal Mike Williams . State of North Carolina. .

North Carolinians should consider the following if they decide to burn debris:

• Consider alternatives to burning. Debris collection and removal is underway in western North Carolina.
• Use small burn piles no larger than 3 feet in diameter and height.
• Maintain a distance of 25 feet around burn piles.
• Never burn on dry and windy days. Wildfires continue to be a concern in western North Carolina.
• Never leave your fire unattended.
• Keep a water source, shovel, rake, and phone nearby. Make sure there are enough people available to use the water and necessary tools to keep the fire under control.
• Before lighting, do not allow residue to build up for several days. It can compact and become wet, increasing air pollution and extending the life of the fire.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to aid the combustion process.

Also, be sure to check with local authorities about temporary burning bans or other regulations before lighting waste. Never burn trash, tires, plastics or other synthetic materials. For more information about open burning, visit https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/air-quality-compliance/open-burning.

If you need help cleaning up the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386. They can put you in touch with volunteers who could help you. This hotline will remain open at least until Friday, October 25, 2024.

When removing debris from your property, keep the following in mind:

• For information on trash pickup schedules, please contact your local city or county. Place debris on the sidewalk and do not block the street or access to the property. Place debris away from trees, poles, or other structures (e.g., fire hydrants, gauges, etc.) to facilitate removal.
• If you discover visible wires while removing debris, wait for the professionals to deal with it.
• Call your local fire department to inspect or remove chemicals, propane tanks and other hazardous materials.
• If you suspect the trash contains toxic substances, seal it in plastic bags to prevent it from becoming airborne.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning up dirt, especially after handling items contaminated by flooding or sewage.
• Follow CDC guidelines for safe cleaning after a disaster.

Be wary of anyone who offers you dirt removal. Fraudsters often take advantage of disasters to extort money from survivors. Here are some ways to avoid scams:

• Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the company.
• Make sure the companies you work with are licensed and insured.
• If they want you to pay the full amount upfront, walk away.

If you believe you are a victim of a scam, report it immediately to your local police or sheriff's department or contact the North Carolina Attorney General's Office at 877-566-7226 or visit www.ncdoj.gov/protecting-consumers .

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