NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Putnam County is asking people to dispose of tornado debris in a specific way to gain as much FEMA aid as possible for the area.
Both wood and metal debris can be collected and measured. According to Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, the amount of debris will be used by the federal government to measure how much aid should be sent.
"Everything is based on FEMA reimbursement since we've been declared a disaster area," said Porter. "So, each one of these piles has to be measured and photos taken of it so we can get the cubic yards of debris and that's how we're reimbursed by FEMA is by the cubic yards."
A large pile of downed trees is growing at Cane Creek Sportsplex. It's one of several locations the county and city are collecting debris.
It's important residents and volunteers who are sorting through the rubble are conscious of this too.
"That stuff can be taken to the landfill and we're sorting it there," said Porter. "If they're doing it on site we need you to make sure it's sorted by the vegetation debris, the construction waste, your appliances and metals, As we have a private company that's coming in during the week that's taking it our of the right of ways."
The county is asking people to hold off on burning piles of wood too until it has been documented.
