Good Memorial Day morning, Chattanooga. Let’s start the day by taking a minute to remember and commemorate the brave people who have died serving in the United States military.

Today, we’re thinking of anyone who has lost a loved one in the service, too.

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We’re also still thinking of people who are recovering from the April 12 tornadoes here.

If you weren’t affected, those who were could use your help, and if you were, we have some important information for you. 👇

Debris removal — don’t get fined.

○ Per FEMA — the last day to have it all removed is June 1.

○ The City of Chattanooga’s Department of Public Works has hired Crowder Gulf to help collect debris, but officials said it’s important to place the debris on their curb properly, otherwise code enforcement will tag piles as improperly sorted and the resident would have to pay a fine.

○ If you believe that a debris pile has been improperly tagged you can call 423-643-6311.

○ Place debris on the curbside in six categories — electronics, large appliances, hazardous waste, vegetative debris + household garbage.

○ Do not put it on block fire hydrants, roadways, trees, poles or other structures that make removal difficult.

○ Do not pay anyone to remove debris. The city and it’s contractor will do it for free.

FYI: Crowder Gulf has also subcontracted with Lawn Rescue and Haul Away, so residents may see these logos on trucks picking up debris as well.

○ Curbside pickup of eligible storm debris is free for citizens. Eligible debris is debris that was generated directly by the weather event.

○ City officials ask that residents do not take their debris to any refuse centers because the centers would not be able to handle the volume.

○ Homeowners whose homes have been fully demolished by the storms should call 311 to discuss debris pickup options.

DYK: As of May 15, Public Works and Crowder Gulf have hauled roughly 230,000 cubic yards of debris. For perspective, 40 cubic yards of debris equals about 12 pickup truck loads.

If you need help with debris

○ Call the Volunteer Reception Center at 423-541-6915 or 423-300-6592

Help needed

○ Volunteers are still needed to help clean debris.

○ Late last week, volunteer organizers had 90 sites in the city + county on the list for debris pickup that hadn’t been helped because of a lack of volunteers.

○ To help, call the Volunteer Reception Center at 423-541-6915 or 423-300-6592.

Federal assistance

○ The last day for tornado victims to apply for Federal Assistance is June 23.

○ Survivors who have uninsured damages from the April tornadoes in Bradley and Hamilton counties can register with FEMA in several ways:

— Visit the disaster assistance website

— Get the FEMA app on your smartphone

— Call 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

SBA help

○ June 23 also is the deadline to apply to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans for physical property damage. The deadline for economic injury applications is Jan. 25, 2021.

○ More information here.

○ Or contact 571-422-1925, 571-422-6016 or 404-909-1535 or FOCE-Help@SBA.gov.