ICE STORM 2009: Powell: FEMA, debris rumors are false

A couple of rumors regarding FEMA reimbursements and debris pick-up are circulating around Anderson County, but those rumors are not true, said EMS Director Bart Powell.

There is a belief among some residents that if they buy a generator or other any other equipment, FEMA will reimburse them, Powell said. But this is not the case.

"FEMA will not reimburse a private citizen for anything," Powell said.

Powell said one resident claimed he had spoken to FEMA directly and was told he would be reimbursed. Powell said even he doesn't talk to FEMA directly, and said that information was false.

Also, some private contractors have been telling residents that if they come in and cut up their debris, they can leave it on the side of the street because the city or county will pick it up. This rumor is also untrue, Powell said.

"Contractors that are for hire are responsible for the transportation (of their own debris)," Powell said, adding that they need to take it to a designated landfill.

However, private citizens can take their debris to one of two locations depending on whether they live in the city or the county.

City residents can drop off storm debris at the city maintenance garage, located on Highway 44 behind Capital Family Physicians, during normal business hours.

County residents can drop off storm debris at the county road barn, located on Versailles Road just before Tyrone, during normal business hours.