Storm Cleanup and Extreme Heat, watch for storms tomorrow

District 3

Alder Erik Paulson

Alder Paulson’s Updates

June 14, 2022 6:30 PM

Some quick resources on storm cleanup and protecting yourself from the extreme heat, including some cooling centers if you're without A/C right now. Please share this info with neighbors and networks.

First - the heat and the weather tomorrow. There are two cooling centers in Madison open right now:

Madison College, located at 1701 Wright Street open now, overnight on June 14, and until 5pm on June 15. It began operations yesterday and is being staffed by the American Red Cross as an emergency shelter. Pets are allowed, but please bring in a kennel or carrier. A few small carriers are available on site.
Alliant Energy Center, located at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way. It will be open from 10am and to 5pm today and on June 15. Those accessing this cooling center are encouraged to enter through the west lobby of the Coliseum (by the large globe).

Madison Metro will provide free rides to and from either of the cooling centers. Pets in carriers are allowed on Madison Metro buses.

Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures coupled with high humidity can also have some serious effects on your health, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here are some important precautions you should take to avoid serious health consequences related to this extreme heat:

Stay Cool: stay in air-conditioned buildings, limit outdoor activity, never sit in a parked car or leave a child or pet in a parked car.
Stay Hydrated: drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
Stay Connected: check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips, regularly check on friends, loved-ones, and neighbors throughout the week.

Signs of heat illness include feeling weak, dizzy, nauseated, or muscle cramps. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, move to air conditioning right away, drink water, get under a fan, and apply cool washcloths. If symptoms worsen or don't improve, they should go to the emergency room.

Due to the excessive heat, roads will be susceptible to buckling. Be alert, as conditions may change rapidly.

We could have another round of storms tomorrow. Hopefully not like yesterday, but remember to be safe. MGE reminds everyone to stay clear of damaged areas and never approach a downed power line or anything that comes in contact with it. Always assume a power line is energized and extremely dangerous and stay away. If you see a downed line, please notify MGE immediately by calling (608) 252-7111. Visit their safety page at mge.com/safety to learn more.

Second - storm cleanup.

Crews still working. Residents should set brush out for pickup. Process will be slow becasue damage was widespread.

The Streets and Urban Forestry Division have been hard at work cleaning up from yesterday's storm.

Below is an update on the clean-up operations and directions for residents on what to expect for brush collection from the curb.

Urban Forestry
Urban Forestry staff worked late into the evening on June 13 responding to the storm and their work continues.

Today, crews will be continuing through this afternoon and evening focusing on high priority calls, such as removing city trees that have fallen on homes.

Urban Forestry crews will be returning at 5:00am on June 15 to continue clearing lane and sidewalk blockages, broken limbs, and other similar calls.

This was a significant storm that caused widespread damage throughout Madison. Last night alone, Urban Forestry received over 300 unique calls regarding tree damage. Crews will continue to working through all of the calls that have been received, addressing the highest priority ones first. It is expected the clean-up effort will take several days until all reports of damaged trees or residents' concerns about trees can be addressed.

Brush Collection
The Streets Division will be assigning additional staff and working extended hours to collect the tree branches and other brush created by the storm.

All residents who experienced tree damage from the storm are encouraged to place brush to the terrace for collection as soon as possible. Crews will be there as soon as we can.

Streets Division crews will be following the posted schedule for brush pickup.

In addition to following the previously posted schedule, crews will also be assigned neighborhoods that were hit by the storm and experienced damaged trees, but are not scheduled for pickup. Again, residents who experienced storm damage, even if they are not scheduled for pickup, should place brush created by the storm of June 13 out for pickup. Crews will be there soon.

Even with the extended hours and additional staffing diverted from other Streets duties, collection will take several days. The storm damaged trees throughout Madison with significant damage in some areas. Please be patient as crews work through collecting the debris.

Streets Division Drop-off Sites
The Streets Division is temporarily lifting the restriction on the number of trips residents can take to a drop-off site.

From June 14, 2022 until June 30, 2022 residents with brush from the storm can make multiple trips to the drop-off sites each day.

On July 1, 2022 residents will once again be restricted on one trip a day to the drop-off sites.

Hours and locations of the drop-off sites can be found on the Streets Division's drop-off site website: www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites.

More Information
More details about how Urban Forestry responds to storm damage can be found on the Urban Forestry website.

More details about brush collection can be found at the Streets Division's brush collection website.

Contacts

Bryan Johnson, 608-267-2626, streets@cityofmadison.com
Urban Forestry, 608-266-4816

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District 3

Alder Erik Paulson

Alder Erik Paulson

Alder Paulson’s Updates