Free Cleanup Service Available Through Overton Co. EMA

Overton County Emergency Management is partnering with Team Rubicon to assist home owners with debris cleanup from last week’s ice storm.

The non-profit is made of military veterans that are staying in Overton County for one week of relief. EMA Director Chris Masiongale said the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency sent the organization after a request from the county.

“They don’t charge for anything,” Masiongale said. “They will clean the yard and debris and get trees off of houses, vehicles. They will take them to the edge of the road, and then, the county or a contracting service will come by and pick up the debris from there. They also do some plumbing.”

Masiongale said residents can take advantage of the service by calling 403-HELP or going to the county’s EMA Facebook page. Cleanup begins Wednesday.

“It (Debris) is substantial,” Masiongale said. “There’s a lot of people. Number one they don’t have the equipment to clean it or remove it. They don’t have the financial means. Most insurance companies don’t take care of debris removal unless it falls unfortunately on your home or your vehicle. So, people are generally stuck on having to do this on their own.”

Emergency officials will contact residents that expressed interest about a day after for follow up information, according to Masiongale. While residential work continues, Masiongale said the majority of the county roadways are now clear with a few limited to one lane.

Team Rubicon also assisted with tornado relief in Cookeville last year. Masiongale said the organization is made of quality people with good leadership.