Month: September 2018

Wythe County Plans Free Tire Collection Day

by wytheCommunity

WYTHE COUNTY PLANS FREE TIRE COLLECTION EVENT

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Have a stack of old tires? Don’t know what in the world to do with them? The Wythe County Solid Waste Department will be holding a tire collection day on Saturday October 6, 2018.

Wythe County Code Enforcement Officer A.B. Dunford said the collection day provides an excellent opportunity for residents to discard tires.

“It’s a good day to have,” Dunford said. “It keeps tires off mountain roads and back roads. The event is free. It’s beneficial to everybody all around. It helps with enforcement and it helps keep crews from having to clean up dump sites.”

The event will be held at the Kents Lane Collection Center, located at 261 Kents Lane in Wytheville. In order to participate in the event, residents must schedule an appointment time between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on October 6.

Appointments may be scheduled beforehand between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. by calling (276) 223-6119. Residents are asked to leave a message if no one answers the call. A county representative will return your call and schedule your appointment. The event is open to Wythe County residents only.

Wythe County residents will be allowed to discard up to 100 tires per household at the event. The tire collection is free to the citizens of Wythe County.

Acceptance of tires is at the sole discretion of officials working the event. Officials said tires packed with mud and debris will not be accepted.

The local Farm Bureau will also have a trailer at the event. They will be accepting commercial tires and farm tires from Farm Bureau members. Residents wishing to dispose of commercial tires through the Farm Bureau must also schedule an appointment by calling the number listed above between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

 

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL DAY TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2018

by wytheCommunity / Government

WYTHE COUNTY, Va. – The Joint Public Service Authority of Wythe and Bland Counties will be hosting its annual Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

The event is open to all Wythe and Bland residents. The day will be held at the Transfer Station located at 169 Kents Lane in Wytheville, Va. from 8 a.m. to noon.

According to officials, acceptable items for the disposal day include: computers and monitors, copiers, TV’s, ballasts, fluorescent lights, batteries, paints, poisons and corrosives.

Acceptable items also include: all kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, gardening supplies, pool chemicals, poisons, all automotive fluids, floor care products, glues, wood preservatives, varnishes, paints, solvents, stains, creosote products, mercury products, rust removers, drain openers, coal tar products, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, driveway sealers, mothballs, inks, dyes and paint thinners.

This event provides residents with an excellent opportunity to clean up around their homes for fall. Officials with the Joint Public Service Authority of Wythe and Bland Counties stated that the contractor will have sole discretion over the acceptance or denial of any substance brought to the collection event. Appointments and scheduling are not necessary for the event.

Prohibited items will include all waste from small businesses (commercial or industrial entities, including home-based businesses), as well as explosive, radiological, asbestos or biomedical waste. Items including dynamite, nitro glycerin, blasting caps, ammunition, grenades, and fireworks are also prohibited.

Residents who have questions concerning the event are encouraged to contact the Joint Public Service Authority at 276-228-4907.

As part of an initiative to keep Southwest Virginia clean, the hazardous waste collection day will provide local residents with an opportunity to dispose of unwanted items that typically are not accepted at local convenience centers. There is no cost to the resident for this event.

 

Department of Emergency Management Letter for September 18

by wytheGovernment

September 18, 2018

Citizens of Wythe County

Florence has moved North and away from Virginia. Although some of the effects are still in the county, we have survived with minor issues. Our hearts and prayers are with the communities of the Carolinas and Virginia that were so greatly impacted by this storm.

Wythe County would like to take a moment to thank all of its citizens for being prepared and making preparation to be safe during this storm. It takes everyone in the county working together to provide the safest community that we can. Thank you for being prepared.

Wythe County would also like to thank the First Responders (Firefighter and EMS), Law Enforcement Offices (Town Police and Sheriff’s Office), Public Works, and County and Town officials that helped in staying prepared and keeping the community informed. Although their work may have been unseen by the communities, they were prepared and ready to act within a moments notice to provide the best services for the citizens of Wythe County.

Moving forward our county has a lot to be proud of and looking forward, should feel comfortable knowing that Wythe County will be prepared for any emergency that we face as a community. Again, thank you for all of your hard work.

Curtis Crawford Emergency Management Coordinator

Wythe County Hurricane Florence Update

by wytheGovernment

Wythe County Hurricane Florence Update:

Emergency Management officials continue to monitor the situation. The New River is forecasted to rise 15 feet in the next 24 hours. Residents along the New River are encouraged to be vigilant and be prepared to move if necessary. The American Red Cross has a shelter open at the Draper Valley Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Department of Emergency Management Letter for Sept. 15, 2018

by wytheUncategorized

September 15, 2018

Citizens of Wythe County

Rains from Florence will begin today and continue throughout the first of the week. As of today, Wythe County could receive up to 5 to 9 inches of rain in areas. With the potential of these amounts to fall, flooding as well as land slides are potential hazards. River flooding is also a threat for our county. There are projections of moderate to major flooding for the New River with Galax being projected to be 15 feet above flood level and Pulaski to be 22 feet above flood level. AEP has lowered the levels of water at the Buck and Billesby Dam and are not holding extra water at this time.

Wythe County is still urging citizens to be prepared and stay vigilant for the storm to come. Visit wytheco.org to sign up for citizen alerts and for further information. Also follow Wythe County VA’s Facebook page. If you want to monitor the river levels and see projections, visit the website https://water.weather.gov/ahps/index.php. Staying informed is very important with a storm that is continually changing.

Please take heed to the possibility of land slides and flooding and have supplies ready. If you live in a flood prone area, make plans for your safety in case the flooding threatens your residence. Power outages are also a possibility to remember.

Again, stay informed and Wythe County will continue to provide information as it becomes available. Please stay safe.

Curtis Crawford

Emergency Management Coordinator

 

Department of Emergency Management Letter for September 14, 2018

by wytheGovernment

September 14, 2018

Citizens of Wythe County

Hurricane Florence has arrived to the Southeast coast of the United States. Florence is still a slow-moving storm that is unloading a large amount of rain. The National Weather Service has forecasted this morning for the rains to begin hitting Wythe County on Saturday evening and continue through Monday. The bulk of the storm will affect us Sunday and Monday. Please be aware that this storm could still cause hazards for Wythe County.

If you live in a flood prone area, please still heed the warnings to prepare in case floods come. Even if it is not raining here, rain at the head waters of the New River could cause flooding in Wythe County. Please make plans to have safe shelter in case of flooding conditions. Whether it is with friends, family or a hotel, please make the arrangements now. Also, please take into account all animals under your care.

Mudslides can also be an issue if we get large amounts of rainfall. Please take this into account as well. Be prepared in case you become trapped and make sure you have the proper supplies.

Information is the best way to stay prepared. Please continue to stay tuned to local media (TV and Radio). Go to wytheco.org and sign up for citizens alerts. Monitor our Facebook page as well. All three will keep you informed for changes with Florence. Everyone please stay safe.

 

Curtis W. Crawford

Emergency Management Coordinator

Department of Emergency Management Letter for September 12, 2018

by wytheGovernment

Florence continues to be projected to affect our county. With the recent amount of precipitation that we have accumulated over the past month, Wythe County is in prime condition for flooding with very minimal additional rainfall. The Department of Emergency Management is urging citizens in areas that are prone to flooding to make arrangements now. If you live in one of these areas, please heed the warnings and be prepared. Make arrangements for safe shelter outside of the affected area. Flood waters and damages from them could last 48 hours or more. Whether you go to family or friends houses or a hotel, this could be safer than trying to ride the floods out at home.

If you have animals, plan for them as well. Don’t leave animals in flooding areas, make plans for them. If you should have to leave your home with your animal, make sure to pack food and water for the animal. Also make sure to have the animal’s medications, papers, and necessities.

If you decide to stay home in a flooding situation, know that you are putting yourself and family at great risk. Inland flooding is the number one cause of deaths during hurricanes. If this is what you decide, let friends or family know your where-a-bouts in case of emergencies. Power outages are a high probability as well with the winds and rains. Be prepared.

Wythe County values the lives of all the citizens. Please heed the warnings and keep informed through local media such as TV and Radio. More updates will be added to the Wythe County Webpage and Facebook page as we get closer to this event. We hope for the best but we should all prepare. Stay safe!

Curtis W. Crawford

Emergency Management Coordinator

RV & Camper Flood Zone Precautions

by wytheGovernment

ATTENTION

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OWNERS

In light of the upcoming event of hurricane Florence, there is a potential for large amounts of rainfall which could cause flooding in low lying areas and especially in the designated flood zones of Wythe County. We would like to remind everyone to please take precautions and move your camper or RV out of these areas before it’s to late. A camper swept away by flood waters could cause a dangerous situation if it prevents the flow of water under a bridge. Please remove any items that are an accessory to your camper that may have the potential to float such as propane tanks. If there are questions or concerns or you are not sure if you’re in a flood zone, contact the Wythe County Building Department and we will help you assess the flood zones.

For more information on the County’s Flood Plain Management Ordinance and flood plain mapping visit the links below.

Virginia Flood Information System link: http://cmap2.vims.edu/VaFloodRisk/vfris2.html

Wythe County Flood Plain Management Ordinance

http://www.wytheco.org/documents/ord2008-1.pdf

 

Department of Emergency Management Letter – Hurricane Florence

by wytheGovernment

September 11, 2018

To: Citizens of Wythe County

We have been receiving phone calls to our Emergency Communications Center about the upcoming storms. Wythe County would like to address the situation. Hurricane Florence looks from reports to be heading towards the Carolinas and moving inland. The direct path still has time to change and may vary from the predictions. In any case, the Department of Emergency Management urges the citizens of Wythe County to take steps to always be in a state of readiness no matter the situation.

 

Households should have:

• Water- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• Food- At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

• Extra Medications-your prescription and over the counter for three days

• Flashlight

• First Aid Kit

• Extra Batteries

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape in case of sheltering-in-place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

• Wrench or Plier

• Manual can opener for food

• Local Maps

• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

 

Please take notice of the possible dangers that are present and have a plan for the worst. Stay alert through media outlets such as TV and radio for updates. Please visit the Wythe County webpage to sign-up for citizen alerts and like the Wythe County Facebook page to get up to date information. If you have questions please contact the Department of Emergency Management. We pray for the best for all.