Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, and the State of Utah have joined efforts to open a Multi-Agency Recovery Center (MARC) for assisting victims of the severe weather event of July 26th.
The MARC will be located at:
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
1234 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, 84101
Wednesday, August 2nd through Friday, August 4th
Noon to 8 p.m. each day
Experts from government agencies and the private sector will be on hand to assist homeowners and business owners who are in the process of recovering from storm-related property damage. The severe weather resulted in more than two inches of rainfall in less than one hour during the early morning of July 26th.
On Wednesday, August 2nd at 1 p.m., at the MARC, media will be updated on the recovery efforts. Mayor Jackie Biskupski and other City officials will attend.
“We know this intense storm has been traumatic for many people,” said Mayor Biskupski on Monday. “While we cannot promise we can make individuals whole, the City and our partners are fully committed to doing all we can to help people recover. We see the Multi-Agency Recovery Center as a ‘one-stop shop’ of sorts, with expertise and support available under one roof to assist those who are struggling.”
Mayor Biskupski has signed a proclamation declaring a local emergency in Salt Lake City, which is the first step in seeking federal assistance for public and private entities affected by the severe weather.
Representatives from Salt Lake City’s Housing & Neighborhood Development Division, Mayor’s Office for Disability Rights, the Police Department, Public Utilities, and volunteer organizations will be available at the MARC to answer questions and assist. Other agencies include Salt Lake County Human Services, County Aging Services, and volunteers from the Utah Bar Association with legal expertise in disaster relief and support.
In addition, the Small Business Administration will provide information on low-interest loans, which the SBA may provide for qualified individuals to assist with home repairs.
People who incurred property damage are urged to report it to the Department of Public Utilities as soon as possible. This is vital, statistical information the City can use in the process of seeking federal aid. Meanwhile, property owners should continue to work with their private insurance carriers in the recovery effort.
The Public Utilities number to report damage, 24 hours a day is:
801-483-6700, option 1
City sanitation crews will be available to pick up storm debris removed from homes and left at curbside. To arrange for a storm-related pickup, please call the Public Utilities number, which again, is 801-483-6700, option 1.
Finally, the City has received reports of disaster cleanup contractors who are misrepresenting their services to storm victims. Please be cautious, ask for licensing and bonding information, and report any suspected fraudulent contractors or companies to Public Utilities (See more in the FAQ section below).
In addition, the following frequently asked questions have been answered by Public Utilities experts and other city officials. These will be updated as necessary and will be included on the website:
Salt Lake City Severe Weather Event, July 26 2017
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Property Damage
**Updated July 31st 2017**
1) My property was damaged by the storm on July 26th. Should I call my insurance company?
Yes. Call your insurance company as soon as possible. If possible, have a copy of your insurance policies handy when you call.
2) Am I eligible for financial help from government agencies for property damage and cleanup?
At this time, government agencies have not authorized financial help. However, Salt Lake City Mayor Biskupski issued an emergency declaration on July 28, 2017. This is the first step needed to identify financial resources from federal, state, and local government agencies to assist with property damage. With this declaration, Salt Lake City can actively seek government funding for emergencies. This type of funding may or may not be available, but we are doing all we can access possible government emergency funding.
3) I have started repairing storm and water damage in my home and on my property. What records should I keep for possible insurance or other reimbursement?
Document everything – take pictures of the areas damaged before and after repairs are made. Keep all bids, receipts and solicitations from contractors in a safe place.
4) Are there volunteer organizations providing help?
Yes. The American Red Cross, Rubicon, Habitat for Humanity, and other non-profit relief organizations have been mobilized to help. Call 801.323.7022 to connect with any of the volunteer organizations.
5) What should I do with debris from my home or property related to storm damage?
Salt Lake City’s Sanitation Division will arrange to remove debris if it is placed curbside. Please contact Salt Lake City Public Utilities Dispatch at (801) 483-6700 (Option 1) and leave your name, address and phone number and you will be contacted when pick up will occur.
6) Companies have approached me to contract for cleanup services. What should I do?
Companies that specialize in cleanup and recovery are a valuable resource in an emergency. If companies are approaching you to provide these services please verify credentials and licensing. If you wish to check out a contractor’s credentials, here is the link to the state Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL) website: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Be aware that arranging for and paying for contracted cleanup work is the sole responsibility of the property or business owner. Unfortunately there have been documented incidents during many disasters situations where unscrupulous persons and organizations use incorrect information about this responsibility.
Companies that contact you promising that Salt Lake City or any other agency will cover costs for cleanup and recovery of your property are providing inaccurate information. Salt Lake City, and other local, state, and federal agencies have not authorized financial assistance for these services.
7) Where can I find more information?
You may call Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities’ 24 hour Dispatch at 801.483.6700, press option 1; OR Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities Customer Service at 801.483.6900 during regular business hours.
A Multi-Agency Resource Center will be available to help residents and businesses affected by the storm. It will have representatives from government agencies, volunteer organizations, and others available to provide additional information. The Resource Center will be available Wednesday, August 2nd through Friday August 4th from noon to 8 p.m. each day. The Resource Center will be located at the Horizonte Instruction and Training Center at 1234 South Main Street in Salt Lake City, UT.