Rusk County OEM Warns of Hazardous Debris Piles

HENDERSON — Rusk County officials are warning the public about potential issues with city debris piles. According to KETK, Public Information Officer David Chenault with the Rusk County Office of Emergency Management says debris placed around hydrants and gas meters is creating potential deadly hazards for cleanup crews. Citizens are asked to avoid these areas for dumping. Chenault’s advisory is the latest in a series in the aftermath of a tornado that caused heavy damage in the county last month. He says city debris piles could hide potentially deadly hazards.

​More than a week after the EF2 twister ripped through Henderson, city crews and volunteers are moving through the slow task of picking up piles of limbs and trees along city streets. Unfortunately, says Chenault, in the immediate aftermath of the storm, some residents piled their debris on and around fire hydrants and gas meters. Now, as large equipment operators begin loading the piles onto flatbed trailers and dump trucks, they are occasionally striking these hidden hazards, inadvertently creating more damage and possibly putting workers in danger. Residents are asked to not pile debris around hydrants, gas meters, or other utility structures or move the piles if they are already there.

Additionally, residents should not mix trees and limbs with non­hazardous structural debris or metal. ​Mixed debris will not be removed from the curb by the city.​​ Structural debris may be taken to the East Texas Regional Landfill or removed by a private company. All volunteers wanting to help remove debris, should report to the Henderson Rescue Unit, located 608 South Van Buren or contact 903­392­1651 for work assignments.

In other news, the Red Cross is continuing to operate a community outreach center at the Community Center located at 302 Fair Park to provide assistance and information for residents affected by the storm damage.

IMPORTANT PUBLIC MESSAGES

CITY PERMITS – ​The city will waive both permit and inspection fees for work related to storm damage. All structures in Henderson that were destroyed or suffered major damage will need a permit for repair work. This includes any structure with holes caused by falling trees or limbs. Since structural weakness cannot always be seen, homeowners must have the structures inspected by an engineer or architect to determine if the trusses were damaged.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT – ​Fifteen homes have been completely destroyed. More than 250 homes and more than 50 businesses have sustained significant damage according to estimates based on current county and city damage assessment teams.

SCAMS​ – There have been some reports of unlicensed workers offering to perform electrical work for people with storm damage. The city is strictly enforcing regulations that require electricians to be licensed by the State of Texas as have a permit for all work although the city is currently not charging for permits. The city is encouraging all residents to check the credentials of all people performing work on homes and businesses.

DEBRIS COLLECTION SITES ​­ The temporary debris collection sites are set up to accept limbs and green foliage. They cannot accept metal, shingles, tar paper, or other structural debris.​If the temporary debris site is closed, please DO NOT dump debris outside of the gates of the sites. Henderson residents can place tree and limb debris curbside and the city will pick it up. The East Texas Regional Landfill will accept non­hazardous structural debris from county and city residents.

Site Locations:​
TEMP SITE: CR203, Access off Loop 571
TEMP SITE: FM1716 at SH43
East Texas Regional Landfill: FM 2867 off FM 840 ­ Accepts all non­hazardous
material

YARD CLEARING ASSISTANCE ​­ There are several opportunities for people to get assistance with yard cleanup. People can contact the The Texas Baptist Men at 210­386­8118. Henderson residents can call 903­392­1651 to request help with clean up assistance.