Thursday, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) announced that Greene, Cocke, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties continue to work with state partners to assist with the safe and efficient removal of storm-related debris. Local officials urge private and commercial property owners to place separated, storm-related debris in designated right-of-way areas by January 31, 2025. After this deadline, residents may be responsible for the disposal of disaster-related debris.
Disaster-related debris should be placed along the curb or in public areas adjacent to the street, not on private property, or in locations that obstruct traffic or utilities. The debris should be separated using FEMA guidelines.
“Our priority is to support the communities of Northeast Tennessee in returning to normal as quickly, safely, and fully as possible,” said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “Recovering from disasters is always challenging, and we are committed to helping survivors clear their properties of the remnants of this devastating storm. By placing storm debris in the right-of-way by January 31, we can expedite the cleanup process and reduce hazards for impacted communities.”
Carter County has already announced an earlier deadline for storm debris removal, requiring residents to place debris in the right of way by January 17. Other counties in the region are following the January 31 deadline to complete their own debris collection efforts.
This debris removal effort is part of a major recovery initiative led by the state. Recently Phillips and Jordan was contracted as the primary vendor to remove storm-related debris from Tennessee’s waterways. These efforts aim to restore safety to the areas most impacted by debris caused by Tropical Storm Helene.
For more information about debris removal guidelines, visit TEMA’s website. If you need assistance, you can call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 or contact your local emergency management agency.
