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Rusk County Offers Storm Recovery Update

Posted/updated on: June 2, 2015 at 11:34 am
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HendersonDamageRafaelCenturión_1432658935696_763111_ver1.0HENDERSON — Rusk County officials continue to work with the community on recovery efforts following an EF-2 tornado last month. KETK reports David Chenault, public information officer with the Rusk County Office of Emergency Management, updated the community Monday morning. Chanault says as of 8 a.m. Monday, both Rusk County Electric Cooperative and AEP SWEPCO reported that all customers have had power restored.

Chenault also said the city of Henderson has opened a new temporary debris collection site for the public to use at County Road 203, off Loop 571​. Residents are encouraged to use the new site instead of the site on FM 1716 and SH 43. Chenault says residents should not mix trees and limbs with non­hazardous structural debris or metal. He tells residents 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.

Chenault also advises that the Salvation Army closed its food operation at the Rusk County Expo Center after lunch Monday. ​The Red Cross has opened 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.

Chenault additionally pointed out that even though power has been restored, several residents could remain without power because power companies are not able to connect power to homes until a licensed electrician can repair the poles on the house​. ​Financial assistance to help with the cost of these repairs may be available through the Texas Realtors Relief Fund (800­873­9155) or the Henderson Lions Club.

Debris collection sites will be open today. ​They can accept trees and limbs but they cannot accept metal, shingles, tar paper, or other structural debris. Through Monday, Henderson residents can place tree and limb debris curbside and the city will pick it up.

Chenault also draws attention to some 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. Teams will continue assessments over the next few days.

SCAMS​ ­ There have been some reports of unlicensed workers offering to perform electrical work for people with storm damage. Chenault says the city of Henderson 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 ​­ In addition to the above notifications, ​officials say if the temporary debris site is closed, residents should not dump debris outside the gates of the site. The East Texas Regional Landfill will accept non­hazardous structural debris from county and city residents.

Site Locations:​:
TEMP SITE: CR203, Access off Loop 571 (NEW)
TEMP SITE: CR417D Transfer Station ­ by airport
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 210­388­8118 or 903­466­5115. Henderson residents can call 903­392­1651 to request help with clean up assistance.



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