Lots of great post-Ike information. Click the link below for full info.
From Mountains to Mole Hills: City Issues Debris Removal Guidelines for Residents & Business Owners
City officials are rolling out debris removal guidelines in anticipation of the island-wide re-entry scheduled for 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 24th. Residents who weathered Ike's ravages at home, contractors already on the job, and business owners busy cleaning have left mounting stacks of debris piled high on city streets. In order to expedite the clean up and recovery process, the city and its debris management contractors are asking for the full support of all Galvestonians.
Please use the following guidelines when cleaning out your home or business:
Everything must be brought out to the curb. Do NOT put materials in the alley. Please note, debris removal crews CANNOT come on to private property to collect debris.
Do NOT put materials in the street where piles could impede and endanger the flow of traffic.
Put all materials in the public right-of-way.
In order to avoid possible damage, do NOT stack debris on or adjacent to water meters, fire hydrants, power or cable boxes, mail boxes, or city garbage carts.
City contractors will be making multiple pick ups so there will be ample opportunity to collect all of your storm debris. You do not need to haul your debris away yourself.
Only storm generated debris will be collected. Land clearing and/or reconstruction debris will NOT be collected.
You must sort your storm related debris into separate piles for each of the following categories:
Green Debris (tree limbs, branches, logs, etc.) - please bundle!
Construction and Demolition Debris (carpet, padding, insulation, furniture, wood fencing, sheetrock, flooring, etc.)
Household Hazardous Waste (paints, solvents, chemicals, cleaners, television sets, gas, fuel, etc.)
White Goods (refrigerators, stoves, large appliances, etc.)
In order to avoid contaminating other debris streams it is VERY IMPORTANT that household hazardous waste be kept separate from regular household garbage and storm debris.
You can continue to use your green city garbage cart for regular household trash.
Do NOT move sand. Sand will be collected, sifted, and returned to beach areas.
FOOD WASTE:
Leave spoiled food in your refrigerator.
Wrap duck tape around the refrigerator and tightly seal it.
Place refrigerator on curb with other white goods.
If you have already removed spoiled food items, place them in two to three trash bags, tie the bags closed, and place in green city garbage carts.
Supplies You May Need to Use for Debris Removal on Your Property:
Bottled Water
Flashlights & Batteries
First Aid Kit
Hand Tools
Hand Sanitizer
Outdoor Garbage Bags
Camera
Notepad & Pens
Face Masks
Bug Repellant
Hygiene Items
Gloves
Boots
Sunscreen
Tire Repair Supplies
Health officials recommend the public receive Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B immunizations before undertaking debris removal activities.
Building Codes Waived for Removal of Some Storm Damage
Earlier this week Mayor Thomas temporarily waived some of city's buildings codes pertaining to the demolition and removal of storm damaged materials.
Due to the severity of damage caused by Hurricane Ike's wind, rain, and storm surge the City of Galveston will not require homeowners or contractors to apply for permits to demolish and remove the following:
Non-structural floor coverings, wall coverings and ceiling coverings
Cabinetry
Storm damaged materials on the interior of structures
Exemptions do apply. The Mayor's order does not pertain to the removal of any and all structural beams, piers, pilings, and materials.
The City of Galveston previously adopted the 2006 International Building Code and the 2006 International Residential Code regulating the building, rebuilding, and restoration for all construction. The temporary waiver of these regulations is a necessary action the City must take to save lives, prevent injuries, protect property, and ensure public health and safety.
Don't Be Duped! Ways to Prevent Fraud
Not long after Hurricane Ike moved on, contractors began moving in. How can you differentiate a reputable contractor from a fraud? Don't be duped! Carefully read over the following list of tips to avoid falling prey to schemes and faulty labor:
Ask to see your remodeler's license and proof of insurance. All residential and commercial contractors must be registered with the City of Galveston. If the cost of the residential remodeling work amounts to more than $10,000 remodelers must be registered with the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) in addition to the city.
Homeowners should never pay for the entire job up front. Negotiate a payment schedule with your contractor based on performance or task completion. Be suspicious if the remodeler asks for cash payment before starting the job. Always pay by check so you retain a record of your payment.
Request a list of references and verify that previous clients were satisfied with their work.
Talk to more than one company and compare bids. If one contractor returns a noticeably lower bid resist the temptation to immediately hire that business. The lowest price doesn't always guarantee quality work. Contractors who cut costs on materials to secure their next job could leave the unsuspecting homeowner with costly repairs down the road.
Ask for a written estimate before signing a contract or making down payments. Never sign a blank contract! Your agreement should outline the job, the process, and costs involved to complete the work.
Professional contractors will adhere to city building codes and submit a permit application to the Planning and Community Development Department for approval. Be wary if a remodeler tells you city codes and permits have been waived due to the emergency. Call the city or check the city's website, www.cityofgalveston.org, to verify that information for yourself.
Some fly-by-night operators specifically travel to disaster areas with the intent of swindling homeowners, especially the elderly, out their money. Don't be their next victim!
City officials are rolling out debris removal guidelines in anticipation of the island-wide re-entry scheduled for 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 24th. Residents who weathered Ike's ravages at home, contractors already on the job, and business owners busy cleaning have left mounting stacks of debris piled high on city streets. In order to expedite the clean up and recovery process, the city and its debris management contractors are asking for the full support of all Galvestonians.
Please use the following guidelines when cleaning out your home or business:
Everything must be brought out to the curb. Do NOT put materials in the alley. Please note, debris removal crews CANNOT come on to private property to collect debris.
Do NOT put materials in the street where piles could impede and endanger the flow of traffic.
Put all materials in the public right-of-way.
In order to avoid possible damage, do NOT stack debris on or adjacent to water meters, fire hydrants, power or cable boxes, mail boxes, or city garbage carts.
City contractors will be making multiple pick ups so there will be ample opportunity to collect all of your storm debris. You do not need to haul your debris away yourself.
Only storm generated debris will be collected. Land clearing and/or reconstruction debris will NOT be collected.
You must sort your storm related debris into separate piles for each of the following categories:
Green Debris (tree limbs, branches, logs, etc.) - please bundle!
Construction and Demolition Debris (carpet, padding, insulation, furniture, wood fencing, sheetrock, flooring, etc.)
Household Hazardous Waste (paints, solvents, chemicals, cleaners, television sets, gas, fuel, etc.)
White Goods (refrigerators, stoves, large appliances, etc.)
In order to avoid contaminating other debris streams it is VERY IMPORTANT that household hazardous waste be kept separate from regular household garbage and storm debris.
You can continue to use your green city garbage cart for regular household trash.
Do NOT move sand. Sand will be collected, sifted, and returned to beach areas.
FOOD WASTE:
Leave spoiled food in your refrigerator.
Wrap duck tape around the refrigerator and tightly seal it.
Place refrigerator on curb with other white goods.
If you have already removed spoiled food items, place them in two to three trash bags, tie the bags closed, and place in green city garbage carts.
Supplies You May Need to Use for Debris Removal on Your Property:
Bottled Water
Flashlights & Batteries
First Aid Kit
Hand Tools
Hand Sanitizer
Outdoor Garbage Bags
Camera
Notepad & Pens
Face Masks
Bug Repellant
Hygiene Items
Gloves
Boots
Sunscreen
Tire Repair Supplies
Health officials recommend the public receive Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B immunizations before undertaking debris removal activities.
Building Codes Waived for Removal of Some Storm Damage
Earlier this week Mayor Thomas temporarily waived some of city's buildings codes pertaining to the demolition and removal of storm damaged materials.
Due to the severity of damage caused by Hurricane Ike's wind, rain, and storm surge the City of Galveston will not require homeowners or contractors to apply for permits to demolish and remove the following:
Non-structural floor coverings, wall coverings and ceiling coverings
Cabinetry
Storm damaged materials on the interior of structures
Exemptions do apply. The Mayor's order does not pertain to the removal of any and all structural beams, piers, pilings, and materials.
The City of Galveston previously adopted the 2006 International Building Code and the 2006 International Residential Code regulating the building, rebuilding, and restoration for all construction. The temporary waiver of these regulations is a necessary action the City must take to save lives, prevent injuries, protect property, and ensure public health and safety.
Don't Be Duped! Ways to Prevent Fraud
Not long after Hurricane Ike moved on, contractors began moving in. How can you differentiate a reputable contractor from a fraud? Don't be duped! Carefully read over the following list of tips to avoid falling prey to schemes and faulty labor:
Ask to see your remodeler's license and proof of insurance. All residential and commercial contractors must be registered with the City of Galveston. If the cost of the residential remodeling work amounts to more than $10,000 remodelers must be registered with the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) in addition to the city.
Homeowners should never pay for the entire job up front. Negotiate a payment schedule with your contractor based on performance or task completion. Be suspicious if the remodeler asks for cash payment before starting the job. Always pay by check so you retain a record of your payment.
Request a list of references and verify that previous clients were satisfied with their work.
Talk to more than one company and compare bids. If one contractor returns a noticeably lower bid resist the temptation to immediately hire that business. The lowest price doesn't always guarantee quality work. Contractors who cut costs on materials to secure their next job could leave the unsuspecting homeowner with costly repairs down the road.
Ask for a written estimate before signing a contract or making down payments. Never sign a blank contract! Your agreement should outline the job, the process, and costs involved to complete the work.
Professional contractors will adhere to city building codes and submit a permit application to the Planning and Community Development Department for approval. Be wary if a remodeler tells you city codes and permits have been waived due to the emergency. Call the city or check the city's website, www.cityofgalveston.org, to verify that information for yourself.
Some fly-by-night operators specifically travel to disaster areas with the intent of swindling homeowners, especially the elderly, out their money. Don't be their next victim!
I WOULD THINK A PERSON COULD LOCATE THE UPDATED REGESTERD CONTRACTORS LIST WITH EASE.
PLEASE SEND ME THE AV. TO TAKE FOR THIS INFORMATION.
THE ONLY LIST FOUND WAS FROM SEPTEMBER 24