Norman to begin official removal of tornado debris
NORMAN – Officials in Norman announced a massive cleanup effort as the city continues to recover from the tornado that left damage in various areas late Sunday.
Beginning Monday morning, TFR Enterprises will begin debris removal operations on behalf of the city. Mayor Larry Heikkila declared Norman a disaster area Monday, Feb. 27, citing conditions after the tornado as “a threat to the safety and welfare of the city.”
Debris collection will occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sunday. Officials released instructions and guidelines Wednesday on how residents could assist city contractors in the upcoming debris removal effort.
Where should I place the debris? What debris is being picked up?
Norman residents from the affected areas should place debris from the tornado along the “public right-of-way,” a roughly 12-foot-area that extends from the street to the sidewalk, ditch or utility poles.
Residents also are asked to make sure that storm-damaged limbs, branches, shrubbery and other types of “clean, woody debris” are cut into footlong pieces and stacked in piles along the public-right-of-way, as well, and not in alleyways or drainage channels.
That “vegetative debris” will be collected separately from what the city considers “construction and demolition debris,” which includes building materials, lumber, roof shingles, wooden fences, glass, metal items, appliances and furniture. Different categories of debris might be picked up at different times, city officials said, and only loose debris (not bagged) will be collected from the public right-of-way.
Is everybody getting their debris removed by the city?
All residential neighborhoods receiving regular sanitation or water services from the city are eligible for the debris removal, officials said. However, this courtesy does not extend to commercial or industrial properties.
Debris removers should pass at least twice along the streets of affected areas during March. If all debris is not picked up during the first pass-through, officials recommend residents place the rest of the debris on the right-of-way for later visits. Residents also should expect to be asked to move their vehicles or any other obstruction from the public street as the contractors are working to remove the debris.
Will the debris removal cause worse traffic?
Debris removal may cause traffic delays and temporary road closures. Residents are asked to continue avoiding tornado-damaged areas as increased traffic also may interfere with cleanup efforts.
Crews will set up signs and flag workers to help notify drivers, whom the city asks to travel cautiously at slow speed in areas where the contractors are working.
Should I continue to bring my regular trash to the curb?
Weekly garbage and yard waste collection is expected to continue as usual.
Bags of yard waste should be placed along the curb as usual for pickup, but placed clearly separately from the storm debris.
Norman residents are encouraged to stay informed by regularly visiting the city of Norman's website for updates to the city's disaster response and relief efforts.
If private property damage occurs during the course of debris removal, the city's Action Center can be contacted at 405-366-5396.