CITIZENS URGED TO BE CAREFUL DURING CLEAN-UP; DEBRIS TO BE PICKED UP ON STATE MAINTAINED ROADS

For Release: Immediate
Date: September 26, 2003

Renee Hoffman / Patty McQuillan
NC CCPS Public Affairs Officer
919-733-5027
(Exts. 231 and 232)

CITIZENS URGED TO BE CAREFUL DURING CLEAN-UP;
DEBRIS TO BE PICKED UP ON STATE MAINTAINED ROADS

As citizens start picking up tree limbs and other storm-related debris this weekend, state and federal recovery officials advise them to do so safely.

Be extremely careful with chain saws and other tools. Do not use a chain saw unless you know how to do so; they can be extremely dangerous if used improperly.

Wear sturdy shoes or boots and heavy gloves.

Wear additional protective gear, such as eye protection, if using power tools.

Be aware of any downed trees or limbs putting tension on other trees or branches that could possibly spring up when the debris is removed.

Beware of overhead hazards, such as limbs that are weakened or broken free and hung up in other limbs.

Stay on solid ground; do not climb on ladders or debris piles.

Citizens should move woody, storm-related debris to the right of way of state maintained roads for pick-up by the N.C. Department of Transportation. State maintained roads are those identified by a four-digit number. Debris should not be in the roadway and should be cut into five or six-foot pieces if possible.

Debris includes downed trees and branches, and also things such as disaster-damaged roofing and walls, soaked carpeting, and so forth. DOT will not pick up hazardous material or appliances.

The NC DOT will devote all available resources to picking up debris as soon as possible, but because of the magnitude of damage from Isabel, removal will take some time.

Debris that is creating an immediate public hazard should be referred to the local NC DOT office in each county.

There is no schedule for pickup; however, debris must be brought to the right of way by October 27 for collection by work crews.

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