Bradley storm cleanup will begin Friday

Thursday, May 12, 2011

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Tornado debris removal begins Friday in Bradley County.

County Mayor D. Gary Davis announced Wednesday that debris collection from the April 27 tornadoes will continue Mondays through Saturdays for several weeks.

The contractor will begin in several storm-damaged areas simultaneously. There will be at least two passes through each neighborhood to give residents time to bring debris to the road right of way, Davis said.

Bradley County Landfill hours have been extended to local residents for personal use only, he said. During the removal period, landfill areas will be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. beginning Monday.

Davis has asked property owners and volunteers able to do so to continue their own removal efforts, too.

Guidelines from the Bradley Emergency Management Agency include:

* Move all debris to the rights of way. Contractors cannot come onto private property.

* Property owners with no insurance who need help moving debris to the right of way can call the Bradley Baptist Association at 423-476-5493 for volunteer assistance.

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* Debris should be in different piles by category: vegetative or trees, branches, stumps and other leafy material; construction or demolition debris such as building components, roofing, drywall, metal, tile, carpeting, windows, furniture and fixtures; and white goods, or household appliances.

Other categories include hazardous waste, such as unused containers of cleaners, corrosives, paint and flammable products; and small debris and storm-related garbage bagged for pickup.

Residents also should avoid placing debris in drainage ditches or around utility poles or fire hydrants.

Troy Spence, Bradley Emergency Management Agency director, announced Wednesday that donors to the relief effort should call first for a list of needed items and drop-off locations. The Bradley County Resource Staging Center is at 423-559-5531 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The agency also has formed an "unmet needs" committee. Anyone aware of unmet needs can call the telephone hot line at 423-464-1849 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The Mayors' Coalition has formed a disaster relief fund that can take donations through PayPal beginning today, or visit the website www.bradleydisasterrelief.org or call 423-716-1844.

The Salvation Army continues to coordinate volunteers. Anyone wishing to volunteer for storm relief work or for a group of volunteers is asked to call 423-308-3467.