Volunteer Crews Work Through 560 Storm Cleanup Requests in Saline County

Saline County Emergency Management has received more than 560 requests for assistance with tree cutting and debris removal, according to a county update. Volunteer groups working in coordination with Emergency Management have completed more than 300 of those jobs, with another 200 assigned or actively in progress. Remaining requests are awaiting assignment, with crews being dispatched based on safety concerns and group capabilities.

Seven volunteer organizations are currently operating in the county: Convoy of Hope, Team Rubicon, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, Emmanuel, Minuteman Disaster Response, Team Blackthorn, and Mennonite Disaster Relief. The groups are expected to continue working throughout the week, with local volunteer teams scheduled to carry on cleanup efforts on weekends.

Emergency Management officials said volunteers will call residents before arriving and must make contact with homeowners before accessing their property. Residents are advised to answer calls, which may come from out-of-state numbers. Officials asked that residents not call Emergency Management for estimated arrival times unless they have an immediate safety concern.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Saline County Emergency Management at 785-825-6511. Officials noted that some tasks involve simply moving debris to the curb, while others may require additional equipment.