Updated: Wind Storm Debris Clean Up Info

Updated Tuesday 11:28 a.m.

The city is currently working from east to west to clear the massive amount of debris created from Wednesday night's wind storm. 

"We will be continuously working at street cleaning until the 14th," said James Carlson, Management Analyst for Sierra Madre, in an e-mail. "We are generally working to keep clear the major roads, areas around schools, downtown, etc.  We are progressing through residential streets from the east to the west. We understand that we will need to return to areas for additional clearing."

While city crews cannot enter private yards, residents can leave debris from their property on the side of the street through next Wednesday for pick up. After that, the city says it will not be able to help with debris removal.

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The city asks that residents do not use plastic bags to deposit their debris, but says that people can still use their green barrels for smaller debris.

It's a good idea to keep your debris as close to the curb as possible so it won't create a hazard to cars or pedestrians.

Residents no longer need to contact Public Works to schedule a pick up. You may simply place your debris by the curb. Crews are working from east to west to clear debris, and will in some cases be making multiple passes through the same streets.

If you would like to contact the , their number is (626) 355-7135.

If you have any bulky items that aren't vegetation, you can schedule a pick up with Athens by calling (888) 336-6100. The city asks that you wait until the night before your scheduled pick up to place your items on the curb.

The city is also advising residents to take caution if they are approached by a door-to-door salesperson or receive fliers or business cards deposited on cars that offer to assist with clean-up. It's a good idea to ask for proof of a valid city business license or state contractors license before you hire anyone to work for you, and not to pay cash in advance for work. You can also ask friends, family or associates for contractor recommendations.

Mayor John Buchanan said that it could take three to four weeks for the city to be totally cleaned up from the wind storm debris.

More on the wind storm:

6 questions for a JPL scientist about the wind storm