City Continues Cleanup after Storms; Designates Impact Zone

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 26, 2011

For more information, please contact:
Jared Schlemmer, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3406, [mailto:schlemmj@bloomington.in.gov]





Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan and the City of Bloomington asks the public to keep safe by allowing City crews to remove debris and fallen trees on public property and in rights of way following last night's storms.

Crews continue to clean up roadways and make travel safe in the area. Caution tape has been placed around many high impact sites directing residents to stay clear as crews safely cleanup affected areas. Several City properties, including city parks, were also hit hard by this week's storms. Of particular significance is the loss of several 150 year old trees in historic Seminary Park.

The City is taking measures to help residents clean up their properties after public streets and spaces no longer pose a public safety hazard. Kruzan has officially designated the areas that suffered the most damage from winds and rain a "high impact zone." This impact zone is generally bound by 10th Street, Grimes Lane, High Street and Patterson Drive. From May 27 to June 8, City crews will help homeowners in the impact zone by hauling off trees and storm debris free of charge, once homeowners gather and move debris to the curb. Branches placed at the curb for pickup must be no longer than 8 feet in length. Community members who reside beyond the boundaries of the impact zone and need assistance dealing with storm related cleanup should call the Street Department at 349-3448.

The Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross began operating an emergency shelter for people with storm-related needs at 2 p.m. today at the First United Methodist Church at 219 E. Fourth Street. Cots, blankets, coffee and water will be provided and an evening meal will be served. Parents with children are asked to bring toys, books and other items to keep them entertained. Call 332-7292 if you need shelter.

Residents without power are advised to ensure stoves and other electrical appliances are shut off, as they can become a serious fire hazard once power is restored. As power is restored to traffic signals in the area, please remember to treat intersections with non-operational traffic signals as four-way stops.

Residents with questions or concerns should direct their calls as follows:

• For emergency situations, call 9-1-1.
• To report a power outage or downed power line, call Duke Energy at 1-800-343-3525.
• For other non-emergency calls concerning tree cutting and cleanup, damaged property and other concerns, call the Office of the Mayor at 349-3406. Someone in the office will hear your concern and direct you to the proper department or agency.

"We appreciate the public's cooperation and patience as the City continues its efforts to cleanup after the storm," said Kruzan. "Our goal, as always, is to ensure the safety of residents and staff as we recover from the storms. We once again thank the many City staff who responded so quickly and thoroughly to help ensure the safety of our community members."

For more information, contact the Office of the Mayor at 349-3406.

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