Weather Outlook
National Weather Service - Oklahoma City Forecast
City preparing for storm debris cleanup
City residents can begin putting tree branches and limbs within 10 feet of their curb. Crews could begin picking up storm debris as early as December 19 – at no charge to citizens.
The City is hiring contractors to collect storm debris from residential curbsides. Crews will begin cleanup in the City’s core and work their way to the outlying areas. Each neighborhood will have two opportunities for pick up.
“If you don’t get your debris to the curb in time or it’s not all collected in the first round, please be patient,” City Manager Jim Couch said. “Crews will make another round.”
City officials estimate it may take several months to clean up all debris left by the ice storm.
Storm debris will not be collected with monthly bulk waste collection. Residents should keep their bulk waste separated from their storm debris.
“After the debris contractors have completed two rounds, bulk waste collection crews will pick up storm debris on the monthly collection days,” Solid Waste Manager Jim Linn said.
"We will be just as diligent in storm debris cleanup as we were with clearing the streets of ice but it will take some time to remove all the tree branches and limbs left by the ice storm, Couch added. We expect to pick up thousands of tons of debris, so we are asking citizens to be patient through this cleanup process.”
While contractors clean up the residential areas, City crews will focus on public areas like parks, streets, medians and the downtown area.
State Emergency Management Launches Hot Line For Reports of Damages Related to Ice Storm
To help identify and document the need for federal Individual Assistance related to this week’s ice storm, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management will open a call center at 7 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13. Residents and business owners who have uninsured ice-storm damages are urged to call the toll-free Oklahoma Damage Assessment Hotline (866) 560-7584 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Operators will be on-hand to take the calls daily.
The Oklahoma Damage Assessment Hotline is needed to gather preliminary damage information that, in turn, will strengthen the state’s application for federal disaster assistance for individuals and business owners. The damage reports will identify where damage assessment teams need to check in an effort to build the case that many Oklahomans need disaster assistance.
Callers will be asked to provide their name, address of the damaged property and the type of damage their property sustained. They will also be asked if they sustained financial loss because their business or place of employment was closed due to the storm.
Additionally, joint teams of FEMA, state and local officials will begin assessing infrastructure damage delivered by the ice storm. The preliminary damage assessments are needed to support a request for federal Public Assistance for cities, towns and counties. The teams will be looking at roads, bridges and public facilities damaged by the storm, as well as the costs associated with debris removal.
Carbon-monoxide warning
Due to the extreme cold and power outages, please be aware of the hazards of the following types of heating:
- Never use gas grills, propane grills, charcoal grills in a house, garage or enclosed area.
- All gas fire heaters MUST be vented to the outside to remove carbon monoxide from an enclosed area.
- Please read and follow all manufacture instructions for any heater.
Oklahoma City Streets
Oklahoma City street crews are working around the clock to clear ice and trees from City Streets. City crews are concentrating their salting efforts along the emergency snow routes. Priority is given to City bridges and overpasses and the emergency snow routes come next.
- Watch for downed power lines
- Proceed cautiously through intersections
- Keep a safe distance between your car and salt trucks – 100 feet is recommended.
- Unless necessary, stay off City streets
- Be patient. Crews are working hard
Advice for storm damaged trees
With the first winter storm of the season now past, many citizens are left wondering how to deal with the significant damage to trees in their yards and neighborhoods. It is estimated that over 1,000,000 trees in the Oklahoma City metro area suffered moderate to significant damage in wake of this week’s storm.
“Unfortunately,” said Allan Storjohann, manager of the Myriad Botanical Gardens, “in situations where a tree has split completely through the trunk, or sustained damage to more than 1/2 of its major branches, there is little hope for the tree to survive. Even if it seems immediately salvageable, it is highly susceptible to disease and future storm damage.”
According to Storjohann, trees that sustained minor damage, or damage to only a few branches, may recover over time.
A few tree trimming Do’s and Don’ts are listed below:
DO:
- Consult the services of a professional arborist, even for maintenance pruning;
Get several estimates from reputable tree service companies (listed in the phone book under “Tree Service”);
- Check each arborist’s credentials, including insurance and licensure. The City of Oklahoma City requires annual licensing for arborists working in the City. Reputable tree companies and arborists will also be bonded (insured) to protect you and your home from potential damage during heavy pruning;
- Check for certification by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This certification is not required for licensure, but is an indicator of professional practice;
- Get referrals from the arborist. Other customers’ opinions may help you determine which arborist is right for you;
- Check with your homeowner’s insurance. Some insurance companies will pay for tree removal and/or replacement if it is deemed the tree contributes to the overall value of the home or property;
- Verify that the arborist will directly supervise or inspect all work completed.
DON’T:
- Go near or try to trim a tree that is near an exposed electric line;
- Try to take down a damaged tree that is still standing or try to prune high branches using a chainsaw – hire a professional for these services;
- Fall for “door-to-door” offers for tree-trimming services;
- Pay for trimming services up front. Certified arborists and reputable tree companies will not ask for payment up front, only after services have been completed.
Citizens should be cautious when hiring tree trimmers
City officials are warning residents to protect their pocketbook and their trees before hiring door-to-door tree trimmers.
“When storms of this magnitude hit, there are always individuals who come out of the woodwork to make a fast buck,” City Treasurer Bob Ponkilla said. “The City requires that tree trimmers have a Tree Serviceman License and, if they are soliciting business door-to-door, they must also have a Solicitors Licenses. This helps protect citizens from scam artists and those that may not be qualified to trim trees properly.”
Individuals offering debris removal services door-to-door must also obtain a
Solicitor’s License. A Tree Serviceman License is not required if the individual is simply picking up debris from the ground.
List of Licensed Tree Serviceman
- The City offers the following advice when dealing with tree trimmers:
• Ask to see a copy of the individual’s tree trimmers license and insurance bonding certificate
• If the solicitor is going door-to-door ask to see their solicitor’s license
• Do not pay trimmers up front
• Get several written estimates before hiring someone
• Hire a professional arborist
Tree Serviceman License
Oklahoma City ordinance requires trimmers hold a Tree Serviceman License. To receive a license, applicants must pass the Commercial Arborist Examination, which is administered by the Oklahoma City Parks and
Recreation Department’s Grounds Division. The permit is $25 and is renewable annually.
All individuals making money for tree trimming services are required to have the license. For work crews, only the supervising foreman is required to be licensed.
“Inappropriate pruning can lead to many problems including pest infestation, structural weakening of the tree and even potential death of the tree,” said Grounds Manager Catherine Waide.
Those interested in taking the test can call 297-2356.
Solicitor’s License
Those soliciting tree-trimming or debris removal services door-to-door are required to hold a Solicitors License. Applicants must file an application, pass an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) background check and pay a $30 fee before being issued a license.
To apply for either license, individuals can call the City’s Licensing office at 297-2607.
Regional snow routes
The map below shows the City's newly designated regional snow routes. Sixteen cities, four counties and numerous state agencies in the metro joined together to develop a comprehensive snow route for the entire region, from Lexington to Guthrie and Yukon to Harrah.
- Regional snow routes (full map)
- Northwest area snow routes
- Northeast area snow routes
- Southwest area snow routes
- Southeast area snow routes
Statewide Road Conditions
For information regarding Oklahoma road conditions call 888-425-2385. For road conditions in neighboring states call: Texas, 800-452-9292; Kansas, 866-511-5368; Arkansas, 800-245-1672; and Missouri, 800-222-6400.
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety's online road conditions map.
Power outages or downed power lines
OG&E customers can report power outages or downed power lines by calling 1-800-522-6870. If you see a downed power line do not try to move the obstruction. Please do not call 911 to report power outages.
Disaster Recovery Center
The United Way's Disaster Recovery Center is open to assist residents still effected by the ice storm. Assistance will be offered for food, housing, transportation and other long-term needs.
It is located at NW 3 and Virginia Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Will Rogers Airport - Flight Information
Online - www.flyokc.com
Passengers needing information about flight delays or cancellations contact your airline.
Tips to prepare your property during winter storms
- To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of old newspapers. Cover the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
- Let faucets slowly drip to avoid freezing.
- Know how to shut off water valves.
- Install and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Prepare a winter storm disaster supply kit
- A cell phone with an extra battery or two-way radio.
- Windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.
- Several blankets or sleeping bags.
- Rain gear and extra set of dry clothing.
- Non-perishable snacks like canned fruit, nuts and other high energy foods. Include non-electric can opener if necessary.
- Jumper cables.
- First aid kit.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
If you must go out during a winter storm
- The best way to stay safe in a snowstorm or ice storm is not to be out in it. Long periods of exposure to severe cold can result in frostbite or hypothermia.
- Stretch before you do so. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
- Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow or ice, pushing a car or walking in deep snow.
- Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injury.
- Dress in many layers and wear a hat and mittens.
- Come inside often for warm-up breaks.
- If you start to shiver or get very tired, or if your nose, fingers, toes, or ear lobes start to feel numb or turn very pale, come inside right away and seek medical assistance. These are the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and need immediate attention.
- Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive.
Source: National Weather Service, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Safety Issues Concerning Electrical Line Repairs
Emergency officials want victims of the ice storm disaster to be aware of potential danger as power is restored to our community. Many electrical service meters and lines were pulled away from homes as trees fell onto residential electrical lines. As power is restored to the main system, these lines may become energized and cause safety concerns.
Two main life safety concerns exist:
- The electrical lines on the ground or tangled in trees will present a shock hazard if they become energized during line repair occurring down line, even if workers are not in your immediate area. This energy could cause injury or even death.
- The electrical lines that may be partially exposed and still partially attached to a structure could arc and spark and cause fires. Contact a licensed electrician to make repairs.
Safety concern remedies:
- Stay completely away from downed and tree-tangled power lines.
- Make sure the smoke alarm in your house has fresh batteries and is working properly.
- Unplug electrical appliances and turn off main house electrical circuits until the power has been restored and you are available to monitor the performance of your electrical systems.
- Although power may be restored to a neighborhood, utility workers will not energize a residence where the electrical structure connected to the building has apparent damage. A licensed electrician must make repairs to service brackets, cables, the meter box and panel box.
- If electrical lines are still partially attached to your house, or if you have any questions about the safety of your electrical system, contact a licensed electrician to render the area safe and make necessary repairs.
Storm Damage Photos
| 7100 N Air Depot | ||
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| Myriad Botanical Gardens | |
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| Mayor Mick Cornett and former New York City mayor and 2008 presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani assess ice storm damage on Thursday, December 13. |
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| Heritage Hills | ||
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