Residents Frustrated by Piles of Storm Debris Still on Curb

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A month after the May 10 tornado, residents in southeast Oklahoma City are still dealing with piles of debris left behind by the storm.

Lori Sosenko, who lives in the Deer Field Estates, said the cleanup has been a major headache.

"We've spent the last several weeks cleaning up, dealing with insurance adjusters, assessors, FEMA, we're told our house is totaled," Sosenko said. "We're staying in a rental home for now and there's only one house that's live able on this street."

The residents in Deer Field Estate are upset that piles of debris are still lined up in their front yards. Sosenko said residents were told to leave debris on the curb for the city to pick up.

Trash day came and went and instead residents received a note on their door indicating the trash was not picked up because the storm and tree debris were not placed in separated piles.

Sosenko and her neighbors had throngs of volunteers cleanup in the last several weeks and the note from the city was the first time residents heard about separating the debris.

"It was very upsetting because that's the very first we heard of that," Sosenko said.

"I have an 8-year-old who says why not put it in a truck and get it out of here. That's all it boils down to," said resident Melinda Calhoun.

Oklahoma City Public Works officials said it's not that simple. In order to be eligible for funding, FEMA guidelines state the city can only pick up damaged trees and brush debris, all other trash is the homeowner's responsibility.

"Based on filed inspection, if FEMA saw that we're collecting both types of debris, they can come back and say ‘None of the debris you collected is eligible.' And thus the city will not be eligible for any reimbursement whatsoever," said Paul Bronson, Oklahoma City Public Works Assistant Director.

City officials say the only solution at this point is they're asking folks to do their best to separate the piles of debris and they'll be able to pick up the brush and tree debris.

Depending on your insurance policy, a contractor can clean up the debris. But as a reminder, a spokesperson with the Oklahoma Insurance Department said to take a closer look at your policy. Normally, a standard policy doesn't cover debris in your yard unless there's a specific provision stating otherwise.