1. Public Safety
   First and foremost, City of Wichita workers are clearing debris out of the streets as some people are still blocked in and some streets remain impassable. Main arterial streets have been cleared however secondary roads and residential streets still need clearing in many areas of Wichita. For emergency vehicles to be able to get to those that may be in need, it is priority that the streets are cleared. Every available employee is working on this number one priority.

2. Removal of Debris
   The City of Wichita hopes to be at a point by next week where all streets are passable to move to the "Clean Up Mode." At that point, City of Wichita employees will work to remove debris from public right-of-way. City of Wichita employees will not pick up private property. If a citizen would like to clean their property, the City of Wichita & Sedgwick County have established these free dump sites for citizens:

   1. Brooks Landfill Site
      4100 N. West Street

   2. Sewage Treatment Plant
      2305 E. 57th Street South (57th St. & Hydraulic)

   3. The Sedgwick County Yard
      located at 47th Street South and West Street

   4. The Sedgwick County Yard
      located at 10530 E. 37th St. N (between Webb and Greenwich)

   5. The Andale Yard
      5858 N. 247th Street West

   6. The Clonmel Yard
      17500 West 71st Street South

   7. The Kansas Coliseum
      1229 E. 85th Street (west of the salt dome)

   8. Big Ditch (specific site)
      south of 63rd St. South and east of Meridian

These dump sites will be open this weekend from 8 AM to 4 PM. The same hours will apply Monday - Friday. Property owners are responsible to haul tree limbs from their property to the disposal site.

What Citizens Can Do to Ensure Their Own Safety
The following information is provided to ensure citizens' safety during this time of emergency:

1. Beware of Falling Limbs & Icicles
   Even as the ice melts, limbs could fall. Also icicles are hazardous. Avoid standing underneath such objects and be well out of the way in case anything should come down.

2. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
   Do not use outdoor devices such as generators, grills, cooking stoves or other items inside your house for heating.

3. Avoid Scams
   The Wichita Police Department would like to remind you that no public utility would need to enter your home. Additional information includes:

   1. If someone you did not call asks to come in your house, do not let them in. Ask to see an ID, look up the phone number and call the company to confirm their identity and need to be in your home.

   2. Do not go outside with an estimator without locking the house. This prevents distraction burglaries.

   3. Be cautious of contractors who solicit you.

   4. Make sure contractors have a local phone number and address that you can confirm through the phone book.

   5. Check the references on any contractor.

   6. Obtain more than one written and signed estimate.

   7. Never pay in advance.

Additional Reminders

1. Traffic Lights Out of Service
   If a vehicle approaches a traffic light that was out of service because there is no electricity, treat it as a 4-way stop. Remember, yield to the right.

2. Emergencies ONLY call 911
   Emergencies are to be only when someone is injured or their life is in danger. Citizens should only call 911 if electrical lines are in the street or against buildings. Do not call 911 if you have fallen tree limbs.

3. To report Electricity outages
   Inside the Wichita area, please call Westar's automated system at 1 800-LIGHTKS (1-800-544-4857). The automated system will be able to handle a larger volume of calls. If the electrical lines are arcing trees, please call 1-800-LIGHTKS. Please keep 911 open for emergency calls.

4. To report limbs causing street hazards contact Forestry at 268-4222.

The City of Wichita is working as quickly as possible to clear the city of debris. While it is understandable that there is frustration due to the many immediate needs, please be kind to city employees as they have been working around the clock since the beginning of this storm. Your patience is appreciated.

Back to Top