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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