When Irma’s wrath passed through, trees were all over the place as well as many other hazardous items on the road.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson blasted FEMA in an interview Thursday, saying the agency didn’t do enough to help cities remove the dangerous debris.
“We’re seeing an agency of government not respond like it should,” he said.
“The local government, the city or county is faced with a choice. Do they wait for the FEMA reimbursement to do it or do they go ahead and pay for it and then get reimbursed by FEMA? Obviously, so they can clean up the streets, they do the latter and FEMA starts dragging its feet.”
The biggest problem with debris is road safety, putting drivers at risk. Bob Bigham knows that all too well.
“I pulled out in a lane to pass a car and there was a bookcase in the road," he said. "So, I swerved to miss the bookcase, but with all the traffic, I couldn’t do much swerving and I caught it with my back tire.”
His car has been struck three times by debris, all on I-275. He knows storm season can make road hazards a bigger problem.
“Oh I’m sure … it’s a matter of just a good strong wind blowing it out.”
We can’t control downed trees, power lines or other storm-related debris, but securing your loads is in your control. And, it could help prevent more dangers during hurricane season.
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