Macon-Bibb County crews from the Public Works, Solid Waste, and Parks & Beautification Departments began assessing damage and removing debris along the roads last night. They will continue working all night to get as much cleared as possible before morning. Crews will be focusing on clearing emergency routes, major thoroughfares, and access to schools and hospitals, and repairing traffic lights, stop signs, and road signs.
 
The Departments will be coordinating their efforts with Georgia Power, which has begun assessing the situation to determine how to get the power on safely and quickly. Georgia Power stresses that people must stay away from downed power lines.

Both Georgia Power and Macon-Bibb County stress they expect this to take several days based on current power outage and damage reports.
 
“This will be a time consuming process, and we appreciate people’s patience as we work through the recovery process,” says Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency Director Spencer Hawkins. “We’re asking people to stay off the roads as crews assess the damage and make them safe.”
 
Reporting Issues

If there is a tree down, fallen traffic signal or sign in your neighborhood, please report it to the Emergency Management Agency at 478-832-6300. Stop signs, yield signs, and traffic control signage will take priority for signage repair. To report a power outage, go to http://outagemap.georgiapower.com or call 888-891-0938.
 
Debris Removal & Trash Collection

People are being asked to wait to begin clearing their yards until Tuesday when it’s light outside. That will give Macon-Bibb crews and Georgia Power the chance to clear some of the roads and remove fallen power lines.
 
“With it getting dark already and a forecast for strong winds for another few hours, it won’t be safe for people to begin using chainsaws and axes, especially if they can’t see fallen power lines,” adds Hawkins.
 
During debris removal operations, Solid Waste will not be picking up any bulky yard waste on their regular routes because the equipment will be dedicated to debris. Containerized yard waste (in trash bags or cans) will be picked up. Trash and recycling pickup will be a day behind this week. (Monday’s pickup on Tuesday, Friday’s pick up Saturday.)
 
Since Macon-Bibb crews cannot work on private property, people should move debris to the curb where the equipment can reach it. (The Walker Road Landfill can NOT accept tree debris for disposal.) People should follow the below guidelines when placing debris and material on the curb so that it can be picked up.

All tree trucks, limbs, and branches must be cut four feet or less in length.

Limbs and branches are to be placed at curbside in their own pile.

Tree trunks are to be placed in their own pile.

Do not mix limbs, branches, and trunks with other solid waste.

Place building materials at the curbside in separate pile.

Put leaves and pine straw in their own bags or trash can.