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.