What to do with debris, other ice storm information

For many people working from home on Tuesday, their quiet neighborhoods were filled with the pops and cracks of broken tree limbs. Across the metro, the limbs caught power lines as they succumbed to the weight of the ice.

After more rain fell on Tuesday night, by Wednesday morning everyone started to see the extent of their damage and try to figure out what to do next.

The City of Oklahoma City will remove storm debris from residences, though people should expect this to take several passes in each neighborhood. The City asks that residents cut the limbs to less than 10 feet in length and stack them at the curb away from obstructions like pole, mail boxes, overhead wires and trees. Storm debris should not be mixed with items set out for regular bulk waste collection. The City advises that people should not take debris to parks or other public property.

To report debris in the road, call the Oklahoma City Action Center at 297-2535 or send a text message to 252-1053. 

If a large tree or limb needs to be removed or is leaning against property, the City recommends hiring a licensed and bonded tree trimming and removal company. Companies with City of Oklahoma City licenses can be found here. Greater Oklahoma City Chamber member Michael Johnson Horticultural Solutions, Inc. could give advice on saving or removing a damaged tree.

If there are tree limbs near power lines, OG&E or its contractors will remove them and stack the limbs at the resident's curb. Commercial property owners are responsible for their own debris removal. 

OG&E is out in the city restoring power and has recruited help from nearby states. But if the power line or other electric infrastructure is broken on a resident's home, then the person will have to call an electrician. See the guide below to learn who to call for a problem. 

The City has set up a daytime warming shelter at the Cox Convention Center in partnership with the American Red Cross. If someone has an immediate need, people can call 2-1-1 to be directed to a variety of services. 

For more information, visit https://www.okc.gov/residents/prepare-okc/know-what-to-do/winter-weather/october-2020-ice-storm.