2020 Winter Storm Response and Recovery Update Number Two
Below is our first update with additional update information in bold text:
One of Oklahoma’s worst ice storms hit our city Monday and Tuesday. Public Works, Police and Fire responded immediately to travel hazards associated with the storm. Our crews are still focused on clearing the roadways and removing limbs hanging over the roads and other traffic safety concerns.
On Monday, October 26, Governor Stitt declared a State of Emergency for 47 counties, including Oklahoma County.
Clean up and recovery from the storm is expected to take some time but city officials wanted to get preliminary information to residents as quickly as possible.
More information and updates will be made available on the city’s website under the “City Announcements” link on the home of Midwestcityok.org.
Tree Debris
Place your storm-related tree limbs and other vegetative debris (branches, bushes, shrubs, etc.) within 10 feet of your curb. Please note: this collection is ONLY for storm-related vegetative debris. If any household or construction debris is mixed with your storm debris, it will not be picked up. (For example, if a tree fell on your metal shed and destroyed it, we can pick up the tree. We cannot pick up the shed or any part of it or any of its contents.)
Leave 5 feet between your debris and your mailbox, electric box, gas meter, vehicles, and any other objects. PLEASE NOTE: Do not stack your debris on top of your water meter. We cannot service your water utility if debris is on top of your water meter. Avoid stacking it under large trees or under power lines.
Your tree limbs do not have to be cut to any specific length but they must be within 10 feet of your curb.
Quarterly Curbside and Special Bulk Pickup Suspended
All of our manpower and efforts will be focused on storm recovery for the next several weeks. Because of this, our quarterly curbside bulk collection and special bulk collection programs are temporarily suspended after Friday, October 30. We will not be picking up any household items after Friday. When we are able to reinstate the services, we will update you.
Other Disposal Options
You can take tree limbs and other vegetative debris to the Compost Facility at 7420 NE 36th St. The Compost Facility is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on holidays. No appointment is necessary. You must show proof of residency in Midwest City to use the facility. Bring your most recent utility bill and driver's license with matching address.
You can take yard waste, tree debris or construction and demolition debris to the East Oak Landfill at 3201 Mosley Road in Oklahoma City. Midwest City residents receive a significantly discounted rate at the landfill so make sure to take a copy of your most recent utility bill and your driver’s license with you as verification of your residency. The landfill is open six days a week.
Reporting Physical Damage to Homes, Businesses and Agriculture
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is asking residents impacted by the storms to report physical damages to homes and businesses at damage.ok.gov. Reporting damage helps local and state emergency managers better coordinate response and recovery efforts. Resident can report damage to homes, businesses or agriculture through the online survey.
City Parks and Trails
We are discouraging residents from using city parks and trails due to falling tree limbs and tree debris. Both golf courses are temporarily closed for safety issues due to tree limbs and debris from the ice storm. Please call before coming to either course to play.
Helpful Numbers and Safety Tips
Electric Outage
Please do not call 9-1-1 or city offices if you have a power outage. Report your outage directly to OG&E by calling 405-272-9595 or on their website at oge.com as well as via text with myOGEalerts. Sign up for text alerts at oge.com/alerts.
Our understanding is that OG&E has contractor crews from 10 states helping to respond to the widespread outages to get their customers back in service as quickly as they can. OG&E is reporting that this is their second largest storm in their history.
Report downed power lines to 800-522-6870. Stay away from downed lines and anything they are touching.
OG&E has asked us to share this message as they work to restore power:
“Our repair crews often need to access to customer's back yards in order to accomplish the necessary repair work ‑ specifically in those areas where there is significant tree damage, debris and downed lines. To help expedite these efforts, and for the safety of our restoration workers, we are asking our customers to ensure their yards are clear of any pets (even friendly ones).
In addition, our crews often need to access locations with locked gates, including large fields with cattle guards, etc. In order to help expedite the restoration process, please ensure all gates and cattle guards are unlocked so our crews can easily access the property and continue moving the restoration process forward. Thank you for your assistance as we work to restore your power as quickly and as safely as possible.”
Wellness Checks
Be sure to check on elderly neighbors and family members. It is a good idea to check on the elderly at least once, if not twice, a day when the weather is cold. They are a more vulnerable population for the cold.
Pets
If you are cold, your pets are cold. Make sure your pets are not left outside to suffer in this cold weather. Find out more at https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cold-weather-ani...
Scammers
If you need to hire a contractor for tree services or property repairs, be wary of storm chasers who may knock on your door. They should have a peddlers permit from the City of Midwest City. The permit requires a background check but does not verify whether they have insurance or bonding. A peddlers permit can be obtained through the City’s customer service department during normal business hours.
Here are some tips from our MWC Police Department:
Before doing business with a company take a moment to get to know them. Ask questions – how the job will be done; specific costs; timeframe and extra costs such as stump removal. Get all questions answered to your satisfaction.
- Don’t pay money up front – before the work is started.
- Never pay in full until you are 100% satisfied. Pay by check or credit card only when the job is complete.
- Don’t trust their advertisement alone. For example, many companies will use the phrase “licensed and bonded.” Ask what that means and with what regulatory agency they are “licensed and bonded.”
- Use trusted companies with a proven track record.
- Don’t be pressured into making an immediate decision.
- Require a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. Don’t sign a blank contract. A copy of the signed contract should be given to you at time of signature.
After a storm it is not uncommon to see new companies in the area. Some will be from out of town and others will be start-ups. But some may be in business just to take your money and leave you without repairs.
Road Conditions
You can check the Oklahoma road conditions or through the Drive Oklahoma mart phone app.
Flooding
More rain is in the forecast for the metro area. Please watch for flooding. According to the National Weather Service, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard.
Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Turn Around Don’t Drown!
Find more information
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. When power outages occur during natural disasters and other emergencies, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating or cooking can cause CO to build up in a home, garage, or camper and to poison the people and animals inside.
Using a generator indoors will kill you in minutes. Exhaust contains a poison gas you cannot see or smell. Never use a generator indoors, in garages, or carports. Always use a generator outdoors, and at least 20 feet from windows or doors.
It is particularly dangerous to run your car in order to charge your phone battery while the car is in your garage, even with the garage door fully open.
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.
###
October 30, 2020 Second Update for 2020 Winter Storm Response and Recovery
