ROGERS, Ark. — On July 12, the City of Rogers released an update on efforts to clean up storm damage from the May 26 tornadoes that swept through Benton County, killing four and destroying countless homes.
According to Rogers Spokesperson Peter Masonis, curbside debris pickup continues from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with over 739,000 cubic yards of debris having already been removed.
The cleanup is expected to continue through August, "This will be a long process and we appreciate your patience as we work to clean up our community," the city said.
In order to keep cleanup moving smoothly, the city wants to remind residents of the following points:
- Move debris to the curb as soon as possible, as crews can only pick up debris their trucks can reach.
- Make sure debris is correctly sorted between vegetative debris (like trees and limbs), and construction material.
- Do not place debris on top of utility meters, mailboxes, fire hydrants
- Keep garbage or recycling bins separate from debris
Drone footage of a rapidly growing debris pile in Rogers was posted by the city, showing enough collected debris to fill over 230 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Anybody, even people who aren't Rogers residents, can come pick up mulch at the Yard Waste Facility at 2300 N. Arkansas St. Rogers. Residents can also drop off vegetative debris there.
Household hazardous waste and tires can be dropped off at the Benton County Solid Waste Facility at 2307 N. Arkansas St.
According to the city, as of July 12, FEMA has approved over 1,430 applications for individual assistance and $5.3 million in individual and household assistance. To learn more about how to apply for FEMA aid, check out our related article here.
The city also mentioned several possible tips to avoid scams as the area recovers:
- Beware of unlicensed contractors
- Verify your contractor has a valid contractors license
- Never pay any money up front
- Do not make final payment until the job is done to your satisfaction
- Obtain multiple estimates
- Check references
- Require a written contract that lists all work to be done and the price for the work
- Beware of high-pressure sales tactics
- Report unlicensed or unscrupulous work to the Contractors Licensing Board (501) 372-4661
Up-to-date disaster relief information can be found on the City of Rogers website here.
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