Bartlesville Residents Continue Clean Up From Labor Day Storm Damage

Bartlesville residents are still cleaning up from a severe storm that hit just on Labor Day, September 1, 2014.

Friday, September 12th 2014, 1:13 pm

By: Craig Day

Bartlesville Residents Continue Clean Up From Labor Day Storm Damage

Bartlesville residents are still cleaning up from a severe storm that hit just on Labor Day, September 1, 2014.

Friday's rain did not help matters for homeowners with roof damage. About 100 homes in Bartlesville suffered extensive damage from the storm with winds of more than 80 miles per hour.

Emergency management assessments determined about 600 homes have at least some sort of damage. Most of that damage amounted to nothing more than shingles ripped off roofs.

Washington County Emergency Management Director Kary Cox knew Bartlesville wouldn't meet the threshold for any FEMA assistance, but thought there might be enough damage that other federal assistance programs might be able to help.

9/4/2014 Related Story: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team Helps Bartlesville Neighbors

It turns out since most homes with damage were insured, there won't be any federal help forthcoming. That means storm victims or their insurance companies will have to bear the brunt of the costs of cleaning up and making repairs.

The City of Bartlesville set up a free dump site on the west side of town for people to drop off tree and limb debris.

The pile of what the storm knocked down, is now 20 feet tall and covers the span of a football field.

Jayleen Mayes lost seven trees in her yard.

"I think this is our fourth load, we probably have about five or six to go," she said.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 is the last day the dump will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. On Monday, September 15, 2014 city officials will evaluate whether or not to keep the site open.