Contact: Jim Collins
Phone: (336) 412-6311

Thanks to All for Storm Response Effort

GREENSBORO, NC -- (May 15, 2008) – Greensboro City Manager Mitchell Johnson would like to publicly acknowledge cooperative efforts of the media, first responders, City of Greensboro and Guilford County staff, and Duke Energy for their excellent work during and after the storm and tornadoes in Greensboro last week. While the loss of even one life is a tragedy, further injury and property damage was certainly averted by the quick response and strong communications efforts throughout this event.

While the City’s first news conference of the day was held at 5:30 am on Friday morning, a well- rehearsed emergency response effort had been underway for several hours. City of Greensboro Emergency Management and Guilford County Emergency Management teams offered a coordinated and efficient response. Greensboro Department of Transportation pitched in with temporary road blocks and work on traffic signals. The City of Greensboro’s Contact Contact Center opened at 5:30 am to handle non-emergency calls. Guilford Metro 911 handled a heavy call volume overnight and into the morning hours. City of Greensboro Field Operations staff in concert with Duke Energy crews were busy through the night clearing streets of trees and debris, thus allowing emergency crews to search buildings and, in some cases, allowing people trapped inside the area to get out. Damage assessment teams from Greensboro's Fire Department and Engineering and Inspections were on duty early Friday to assure the safety of buildings hit by the storm. Engineering and Inspections also provided support to businesses throughout the weekend in an attempt to restore business operations wherever possible.

The Greensboro Police Department’s Mobile Command Center at the Piedmont Triad Farmers' Market provided a convenient location for business owners to have questions answered and served as a staging area for providing media updates throughout the day on Friday. City of Greensboro Water Resources crews worked to assure continued water and sewer services to the affected area. Guilford County Emergency Management, partnering with the City of Greensboro, arranged an opportunity for the Federal Small Business Administration to meet with business owners and others to obtain information about availability of loans and other assistance. Several businesses within the affected area and others from outside the area pitched in with relief assistance and emergency service personnel.

City Field Operations crews will finish removing storm debris from public areas and right-of-ways by the end of this week. They estimate that more than 150 tons of debris has been collected. The City will pick up residents’ yard debris if it is prepared in any of the following ways:

• Place debris in a 32-gallon trash can. Filled cans should weigh no more than 50 pounds.
• Bag debris in heavy-duty clear plastic bags. Filled bags must weigh less than 50 pounds.
• Tie yard waste in bundles not more than five feet long and no heavier than 50 pounds.

Johnson points out “partnerships and cooperation like these are what make good communities. And planning and practice are what make emergency response successful.” Johnson also offers his special thanks to the dedicated City of Greensboro employees for delivering such excellent customer service in trying conditions.

 #  #  #

The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.