FEMA Guidelines for Post Storm Debris Removal
If you lived through the 2016 floods here in South Louisiana you are all too familiar with the process of having debris removed from your home. Back in 2016, it wasn't the smoothest of processes. Hopefully, this graphic and guidelines from FEMA will help you better organize your debris piles.
Why do I need to organize my debris?
Not all refuse and waste can be taken for disposal to the same places. Eventually, that trash and debris are going to have to be sorted by someone. It just makes sense for the homeowner and business owner to do that on the front end.
If you do, it makes picking up your debris and transporting it to the proper facility a lot more efficient. The more efficient we can make the process the faster things get cleaned up.
According to Lafayette Consolidated Government, via a published report from KLFY Television, here is what you'll want to do and how you'll want to do it.
SEPARATE INTO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES (Do not place items in bags)
- Electronics: Television, computer, stereo, phone, DVD player
- Large Appliances: Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher
- Hazardous Waste: Oil, battery, pesticide, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas
- Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants
- Construction Debris: Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing
- Household Garbage: Bagged garbage, food, paper, packaging
Debris Placement Guidelines
- Place debris curbside.
- Do not place near or on trees, poles, fire hydrants, meters or utilities.
- Debris should not block the roadway.
- Debris placed on the sidewalk will not be picked up.
- Secure appliance doors
Now, for all you dang overachievers out there. You might want to wait until the wind and rain die down a little before you start your clean-up. No need to put all that stuff out only to have it blown down the street, right?