Fire Department Coordinating Storm Debris Removal Help for Elderly, Special-Needs Citizens

Tulsa Fire Department continues to assist City of Tulsa residents affected by the December 2007 ice storm. After Operation Power Up ended on Dec. 31, 2007, the Fire Department at the beginning of 2008 shifted efforts to helping citizens move tree debris from their yard to the curb. Once debris is at the curb, the City’s debris removal contractor can haul it away for disposal.

“We want to do everything we can to help Tulsans’ lives return to normal following last month’s ice storm,” Mayor Kathy Taylor said. “I’m proud of the Fire Department’s leadership in this community-wide effort. Tulsa citizens helped their neighbors through this disaster, and they continue to help each other with cleaning up afterward.”

Tulsa residents who are elderly or have special needs that hinder their ability to physically carry debris from their yard to the curb may call the Mayor’s Action Center, 596-2100, and be put on a list to receive assistance during the coming weeks until the task is completed.

The Fire Department has received additional resources for this effort from the private sector. Last week, the Salvation Army provided funding for work requiring specialized equipment or training. The Tulsa Community Foundation also has contributed services to pick up debris from about a dozen properties a day.

Volunteer Central, a nonprofit organization formerly known as Tulsa Volunteer Center, has offered its services to recruit volunteers to help according to their skill levels. Area church groups including United Methodist, Mennonite and Amish also have offered volunteers for the effort.