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Water-Related News

Dedicated Response Team Leads Storm Debris Pickup Following Back-to-Back Hurricanes

Back-to-back hurricanes present significant challenges relating to storm debris pickup. Those leading the recovery efforts know this firsthand. Fortunately, in Orange County a team of dedicated “hurricane heroes” swiftly restored safety, accessibility, and beauty back to the community in just about 60 days following Hurricane Milton. Ralphetta Aker, Manager, Orange County Public Works Fiscal & Operational Support, is pleased that they reached substantial completion and attributes the successful timeline to a well-coordinated plan and a seasoned response team. “We are fortunate to have a team with 20-plus years of experience, plus debris removal contractors who are leaders in the field,” Aker said. “They understand the process and have knowledge of what needs to be done.” That collaborative process begins immediately following a storm when Public Works crews monitor streets to assess high impact areas, review satellite images, and gather data. Key contractors are then deployed for a second assessment, and within 48 hours they decide where to mobilize trucks to resolve issues starting in the hardest hit areas. Support from many county departments, including Orange County Utilities, and external experts was key to expediting debris removal and monitoring.