HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2011-08-31, Page 18Wednesday, August 31, 2011 • Signal -Star 17
iness owners anxious to get back to properties
only three reasons any
be going to the Square:
ofs, board up windows
essential documents.
came heated at a spe-
g held for downtown
\ugust 24, as distraught
ght information to get
their businesses and
amage.
ng began upstairs at the
Arena on McDonald
as quickly moved to the
v as tornado warnings
for the area.
d with having to wait to
vntown, many owners
g for any and all infor-
it how long will take.
available for property
Il out - and as of Thurs-
than 70 have been
,ess to their buildings.
is only the start of a big -
forms have been com
ling inspectors and the
eer examine the prop=
it can be entered. Then,
of Labour needs to sign
ng the approvals, the
Dominique Milburn Goderich Signal -Star
Kingston Street business were severely damaged by the tornado.
OPP are allotting time for people to
get into their buildings.
Again, owners can only get into
their buildings for the three above-
mentioned reasons.
People are asked to be as specific
as possible on their forms - what
exactly they need to get and where
it is. Councilor Judy Crawford, who
organized a temporary business
centre at the Memorial Arena, urged
owners not to try to sneak into their
buildings around the police barri
cades, asking patience from those in
attendance. If a security clampdown
was needed because of people
heading downtown without clear-
ance, it puts back the whole
process.
"You mess it up, you mess .it up
for everybody," she said.:
Nothing is to be touched on The
Square. Because of the age of the
buildings, it is quite possible there is
asbestos in the insultation and other
materials, and until it is tested and
cleared, no downtown debris
should be touched.
No entry is allowed from the Red
Zone - the area downtown most
affected by the storm. Instead, busi-
ness owners must enter through the
rear of their buildings. -
Special escorts must be approved
before any other entry is possible.
CAO Larry McCabe noted the
whole exercise is designed to shrink
the Red Zone working from outside
downtown in.
Steve Beattie, Huron County
Emergency Management Coordina-
tor, said health and safety is first and
foremost.
"Our number one priority is the
safety of the public and the work-
ers, he told the anxious business
crowd; "There is a process for work-
ers and for you with regards to your.
safety.
"Nobody is putting up roadblocks
unnecessarily,"
Downtown is separated into.the
Red Zone and the Grey Zone.
The Red Zone is anything behind
the concrete barriers and riot fenc-
ing. This is strictlya do -not -enter
zone. No exceptions.
The Grey Zone exists from the
barriers to the OPP cruisers at the
surrounding intersections.
Every building in the zone has
been assessed. A team of 10 build-
ing inspectors from neighbouring
nnunicipalities are working con-
stantly. Paperwork must be com-
pleted before any access can be
granted.
Speaking for the OPP, Officer Dale
Grey said barricades are moving
closer to the core, and as they do,
the restricted area shrinks. How-
ever, to get past the cruisers and into
buildings, people must have their
paperwork.
Canada Post is, making arrange-
ments to move the post office, and
couriers are taking downtown busi-
ness items to the Memorial Arena
free of charge. For businesses who.
no longer need or want stock ship-
ments, they will also be returned at
no charge.
Bell and Hurontel are willing to
forward any business' calls to any
phone, and there is a shipment of
office equipment on standby, for
those who can continue business,
For more information, visit the
business centre at the Memorial
Arena on McDonald Street.
rTENTION GODERICH RESIDI NTS
Please allow us to cover up to $500 of your
uctible for all vehicle claims related to tornado damage.
Complimentary pick-up of all drivable vehicles
sto m tions � Ca��slan
rchard Dr., Brussels • Bus 519-887-9000 Cell 519-440-8746