Metro updates on shelters, water, codes inspections, waste and countywide debris collection

Multiple Metro departments reported on recovery operations at a mayoral briefing, detailing shelter status, water repairs, building-inspection steps, trash collection and a countywide sweep for storm-related vegetation.

Shelters and social services: Director Chief Swan said shelter occupancy is declining and shelters will remain open to anyone without power; teams will provide wraparound services including food, water and social-services assistance. Metro Social Services reported 989 welfare calls, 52 special requests and more than 1,500 meal deliveries during the storm.

Water services: Scott Potter, director of Metro Water Services, said the system remains off a boil-water advisory and is pumping about 136,000,000 gallons a day (an increase from an average of roughly 100,000,000 gallons). He reported 98 main breaks repaired since the event began, 10 currently being repaired and 14 under investigation, and urged residents to call Metro Water at (615) 862-4600 if they lack service.

Codes and safe reconnection: Will Dodd of the Department of Codes and Building Safety said Metro has conducted nearly 1,000 inspections since the storm to prioritize safe electrical reconnections. He outlined the steps: hire a licensed electrician to repair damaged weatherheads or meter bases, then request a virtual inspection from Metro codes; an inspector will issue a release number to NES to restore power.

Waste and debris collection: Tracy Thurman (Waste Services) said convenience centers reopened and free drop-off will continue through the end of the week; the city deployed 35 trash-disposal boxes across Davidson County and currently has 21 on-site for resident drop-off. Collection routes have been rescheduled and city contractors were working to catch up.

NDOT and vegetation removal: Philip Jones with NDOT announced the start of countywide residential storm vegetation collection across Davidson County, with an initial sweep anticipated to take two to three weeks (weather permitting). NDOT said there are no size limitations during the sweep, crews will not remove vegetation on private property until NES has cleared power lines, and residents should not block hydrants, drainage or travel lanes with debris piles. Jones reported NDOT-led efforts have resolved about 5,200 right-of-way tree/vegetation issues and that 80-plus crews are working on tree removal, emergency pothole repairs and infrastructure assessments.

Officials reiterated that specific utility billing or restoration timelines for NES will be addressed by NES during a scheduled 4:30 p.m. availability; the mayor’s office directed billing or reconnection questions to that NES briefing.