Polk County, N.C. – In collaboration with North Carolina Emergency Management State Mission Assigned Recovery Task (SMART), Polk County is announcing the final pick up of debris from Tropical Storm Helene.

Residents are encouraged to sign up as this will be the last opportunity for debris removal from FEMA.

Residents with storm debris at the roadside must complete the pick-up request form at www.PolkNC.gov/StormDebris.

Following Labor Day trucks will begin the collection of the listed debris. If residents do not fill out the form on the website, they will be responsible for disposing of the debris in front of their property.

In addition to roadside debris management, North Carolina Emergency Management SMART program has dispatched waterway scouts to address debris in Polk County waterways.

If residents are aware of any locations with debris, please submit a request using the Final Waterway Debris Notification form at www.PolkNC.gov/StormDebris. Please note that removal is not guaranteed, as debris must meet FEMA removal guidelines.

Polk County residents with hazardous debris on their property, such as leaning trees over houses or driveways are reminded this is their final chance to sign up for the Private Property Debris Removal Program. This Program allows contractors to ensure properties to remove hazardous debris that meet the FEMA guidelines. This program does not apply to vacant lots, pastures or forested areas.

All three debris removal opportunities can be found on the Polk County Website at www.PolkNC.gov/StormDebris. For additional questions please email Kellie Cannon at KCannon@polkNC.gov or call 828-722-5276.