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Debris Public Information Templates
These outreach templates and tools are designed for local governments and other partners to customize and use to provide information to communities, residents, and other stakeholders before, during, and after a debris-generating event. Tools include graphics that can be used on social media posts, on websites, and on flyers; public information / news release templates; and tips for setting up a call center.
Customizable Graphics / Messages
Customizable graphics and suggested messages can be used by local governments and other partners to edit and share in any way, including on social media platforms, on websites or in emails, or as print flyers. Graphics are available in three different orientations-vertical (story), horizontal, and square. Links to download the graphics are below.
Image Download | Suggested Messages and Hashtags | Image Preview |
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story-Minimize-Projectiles |
MINIMIZE PROJECTILES ☝️ In preparation for (Tropical Storm/Hurricane Name), check your yard for potential wind-driven projectiles. Everyday objects around your home can become deadly missiles in high winds including lawn furniture, children’s toys, garden tools, wind chimes, bird feeders, etc. Items that can’t be removed should be grouped together and secured to prevent them from becoming airborne. 🌳 The time to trim your trees is before hurricane season. If you must prune a tree to prevent dead branches from potentially causing damage or harm, hire a certified tree professional. Schedule a bulky waste pickup with your trash collector to collect any smaller dead branches or place them in your garage until after the storm has passed. Never stack tree trimmings near fire hydrants, storm drains, guy wires, or utility structures. For more information, visit www.putlinkhere.com. We thank you for your cooperation. #StormPreparation #TropicalStormName/#HurricaneName |
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MAKE SURE THAT RAIN GOES DOWN THE DRAIN! You can help prevent localized flooding in your neighborhood! Follow these tips to keep stormwater flowing in the right direction: DO-
DON'T-
Keeping drains clear helps prevent standing water during rain events – reducing ponding (and mosquitos!) and flooding of roadways and properties. For more information, visit www.putlinkhere.com. We thank you for your cooperation. #StormDrains #Stormwater #Flooding |
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story-Debris-v-Trash1 |
DEBRIS vs. TRASH To help speed up the removal of disaster debris, follow these tips: 🚫DON’T BAG YOUR DEBRIS 👌DO BAG REGULAR GARBAGE Keeping your debris and trash separated will help ensure a faster recovery of our community! For more information, visit www.putlinkhere.com. We thank you for your cooperation. #DisasterDebris #DisasterRecovery |
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story-Safety-after-the-storm |
SEVEN SIMPLE SAFETY TIPS AFTER THE STORM
Remember, first responders are stretched to the limit after a disaster, don’t let a preventable injury add to their calls! For more information, visit www.putlinkhere.com. We thank you for your cooperation. #SafetyFirst #AfterTheStorm #HurricaneRecovery #DisasterRecovery |
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story-Things-to-Know-About-Debris-Collection |
TIMELINE OF DEBRIS OPERATIONS Staff and contractors are working diligently to pickup debris as quickly and as safely as possible. We appreciate your patience. As cleanup continues, keep this in mind:
If you feel your property was missed or if you have any questions regarding debris removal, visit WEBSITE and or call PHONE NUMBER. #HurricaneDebris #DisasterRecovery |
Public Information Release Templates
Each template provides preparation and response information about debris-generating events. You can use all or part of these templates and replace any broad information with information specific to your community, constituents, and partners.
Establishment of a Call Center
A call center, manned with trained staff to answer questions from callers, can be an effective tool to help provide information to the public and dispel rumors regarding debris operations. It can also help to gauge the effectiveness of public information efforts. If the call center begins receiving many calls regarding a certain issue, the PIO could then address that issue in an upcoming press release, social media post, or press conference. Several considerations in establishing a call center include:
- Facility – Ensure the call center will be in a facility with an adequate number of phones and workstations for the anticipated call volume.
- Staffing – Ensure that adequate staff will be available to answer the anticipated volume of calls. Schedule staff breaks and lunches, so staff do not all leave at the same time leaving phones unattended. If there is not enough staff to man the call center, explore using other resources, such as 211, contract resources, or other possible resources for answering telephone inquiries.
- Training – Ensure staff and volunteers working the call center are trained in proper phone etiquette and in operation of the phone equipment. Conduct a briefing for incoming staff. Provide them with a document containing the most frequently asked questions and answers to guide their responses to callers. Make sure they understand the importance of staying on message. If they are asked a question from a caller that has not been previously addressed, have the call taker write down the question for submittal to the PIO or his or her designee for prompt follow-up with the caller.
- Documentation – Provide call takers with a checklist so that types of calls received can be monitored. Update the frequently asked questions document often to ensure staff have the most current information to offer callers. Collect their checklists at the end of their shift. Make sure staff and volunteers record the times they work in the call center.
- Stress – Answering calls from affected individuals during a disaster can be very stressful on those trying to assist callers. Observe staff for signs of stress and fatigue. Ensure staff take breaks as needed. Conduct a debriefing at the end of the call taker’s shift.
Links and Other Resources
H-GAC's Disaster Debris Clearance and Removal Services Program has complied this list of disaster debris resources to assist you in preparing for and managing the effects of a disaster.
FEMA Forms
( 17)
Natural Resource Conservation Service Publications
( 2)
Texas State Agency Guidance Resources
( 7)
H-GAC Publications
( 18)
To use this spreadsheet input information specific to your community in column D of the worksheet tab. By doing so, it will adjust the estimated debris quantities, and subsequently the pricing, on the pricing tab.