Debris removal instructions, sandbag advice for Hurricane Irene

When Hurricane Irene, which was downgraded to a tropical storm, pummeled the East Coast it left behind downed trees, flooded areas, and lots of other debris.

ABC-7 News affiliate WJLA, reported instructions from the Washington, D.C., Department of Public Works on how to handle debris removal.

According to the ABC-7 report, the Washington, D.C., Department of Public Works issued these instructions the morning of Aug. 29:

1. If hiring a tree specialist or landscaping company to cut up fallen trees and limbs, please have the contractor remove all the debris.

2. From Aug. 29-Sept. 2 only, the Department of Public Works will remove branches cut into 4-inch lengths and tied into bundles no more than 2 inches in diameter from the treeboxes in front of residents’ homes. After Sept. 2, these items can be placed where your trash is collected.

3. Please place debris, bagged or loose, in the treebox space, not the gutter so the gutters can remain clear and crews can run mechanical sweepers along the curb lanes. Do not include rocks, stones or concrete.

4. Hurricane season ends in November, so please hold onto your sandbags, just in case.