Pre-event
planning must commence with the identification of geographic features requiring
special treatment. Negotiating and establishing a MOU where necessary ensures
that all state, federal and federally assisted roads are accounted for and
prioritized for initial clearing operations (ie Push) and final clearing/debris
removal. Particular attention to federally assisted roads cannot be over
emphasized. In fact, failure to account, by contract, for these roads using
FHWA Form 1273 could jeopardize reimbursements. Included within such
discussions should be drainage ditch operations, tree trimming/removal and all
other right of way issues. Areas of responsibility should be clearly defined
with close coordination to ensure that there will be no duplication of effort,
inadvertent interference or reimbursement issues.
Maps, generated by us, divide the
recovery area into manageable sectors. The geographical area of
each community should be divided into sectors using natural or
clearly recognizable man made boundaries. Major roads and/or
streets will serve such a purpose. These maps can be modified to
accommodate any desire of the Client. The main purpose of the mapping is to provide crews with specific
tasks/assignments while at the same time providing clearly recognizable and
defined areas of work that can be followed by the Client. By following the maps,
the client can track first pass, second pass etc while readily identifying
problem areas requiring additional crews or attention. As the project progresses, our system allows us to generate
maps specifically identifying debris locations to minimize the number of crews
frequenting a neighborhood while at the same time maximizing production.
Identification, testing and
preparation of Temporary Debris Staging and Reduction Sites will also occur
during pre-event planning. These sites should be centrally located (if
possible).While FEMA 325 suggests 100 acres as optimal, sites as small as 4 to
7 acres, or smaller,will generally
accommodate the debris depending on the exact nature of the event as well as
the overall strategy employed. For example, much smaller sites will be required
if they are used as transfer stations during the day with debris removal at
night.
Staging areas for relief equipment should also
be coordinated at this time. Truck stops will often allow the parking of
equipment and resources temporarily to allow for recovery.
Identification of alternative disposal
methods is also critical. With the ever diminishing landfill space, it is
essential that all avenues for disposal be investigated. White goods can be
recycled through scrap yards or foreign sale.Vegetative debris can be used as natural barriers for wetland
restoration, biofuel, landfill cover and under power lines. Ash from burning of
vegetative debris can also be used for renourishment of farmland.
We provide comprehensive
services throughout the pre-event phase at no cost to the client. Annual
visits, participation in training exercises and ongoing information sharing are
key benefits that are unique in the industry.