Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund:
With more than 2,000 homes flooded across our region, many citizens and companies are looking for a way to help those affected by the recent storms.
Mayor Sylvester Turner has established the Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund to accept donations specifically focused on aiding storm victims and relief organizations in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties.
If you are interested in making a donation, visit houstonrecovers.org and click the “Donate to the Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund” button.
The Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund will ensure that all corporate and personal donations stay here in the Houston region and will directly assist those who are suffering from this disaster
FAQs for Debris Placement & Collections:
Residents are urged to refer to the following FAQs as the City prepares to begin storm debris collection.
1) My home was damaged or received water during the recent flooding and storms. What steps should I take to handle the damages and the debris?
- First, you should contact your insurance company to file a claim.
- You should also document your property damage(s) by taking photographs.
- You should contact the Houston 311 customer center to notify the city of your damage(s). This will help identify your address and area as needing debris collection service.
2) When will the City begin debris collection operations?
Collections will begin as soon as the City’s plans are accepted by the State Department of Emergency Management. Typically, debris operations begin after the receipt of a disaster declaration by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). A request for the disaster declaration has been made to FEMA by the Governor’s office.
3) Is there a particular manner that my debris should be placed at the curb? Yes, debris should be segregated as follows and placed away from any obstruction/impediments (mailboxes, fire hydrants, water meters, tree branches, etc.):
- Normal household trash goes in your black garbage container. It will be collected by the City on your normal garbage service day.
- Vegetative Debris (Logs and Trees) should be placed separately in a stacked pile. Limbs/trunks and branches should be cut to 36″ lengths.
- Construction & Demolition Material should be place in its own pile. This type of debris includes building materials, carpet/padding, furniture, treated lumber, mattresses, etc.
- Appliances should be placed separately and their doors secured with tape (to protect kids). This includes refrigerators, freezers, stoves, washers, dryers and water heaters.
- Electronics should be placed together. E-waste includes computers, stereos, televisions or other items with a cord.
- Household Hazardous hair loss Waste (HHW) should be placed together. HHW includes batteries, oils, lawn chemicals, pesticides and cleaning supplies.
- Further information and instruction for debris placement can be found at www.houstonsolidwaste.org, or the Solid Waste Management Department’s Facebook page.
4) My garbage/yard waste/Recycling was not collected due to the storm. When will the city return? Garbage collection schedules have now returned to normal. Yard waste and recycling will be collected on the same schedule as stated in question 3 above.
5) Are Neighborhood Depository sites available to me if I’d like to get rid of my own debris or uncollected recycling?
Yes. Any Houston resident can use a Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Center. Effective immediately, the depository sites will be open 7 days per week. A notice of the effective date of the extra days is posted at www.houstonsolidwaste.org. Residents who use the depositories simply need to show an ID and utility bill for service
6) Is there somewhere I can take my HHW if I don’t want to wait for City crews to come by for collection?
Yes. Any City of Houston resident can take HHW to the City’s Environmental Service Center at 11500 South Post Oak. HHW can be dropped off every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The center also receives HHW on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Should there be a need; the hours may be increased to accommodate the demand for service.
7) My container floated away during the flood period. How do I get another one?
Please contact 311 to report your lost container. The department will deliver a replacement within 5 – 7 business days.
8) I live in an apartment complex and was flooded. What should I do with my debris?
Waste Management is providing dumpsters at 17 properties in the Greenspoint area. Otherwise, it is the responsibility of your owner/management company to make provisions for the collection and removal of debris.
9) My business flooded what should I do?
You should contact your insurance agent and file a claim for remediation. A part of your claim would include any debris demolition and removal.
For more info on trash/debris, visit houstontx.gov/solidwaste
This Blog was directly copied & pasted from our Local GHBA news letter. We are trying to disseminate all info to all of our affected Houstonians. We are a good standing member with the GHBA, but you can learn more there as well www.ghba.org