Storm Recovery Information
When severe storms cause damage, here are four important tips to remember:
- Do NOT drive around barricades. If you do, you are subject to a ticket (fine).
- As you survey your property for possible damage, be aware of your surroundings. Please call 211 to report any damage whether it is on your property or in the City right-of-way.
- Be on the lookout for hidden hazards such as hanging debris and downed power lines. Please note: If there is a flag by a downed power line, it has already been reported and responded to. If you don’t see a flag or if the power line is arcing, please call 911 immediately to report.
- Use common sense and exercise caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs, and rocks from the saw's chain path. Look for nails, spikes, or other metals before cutting.
- Shut off the saw or engage its chain brake when carrying the saw on rough or uneven terrain.
- Keep your hands on the saw's handles and maintain secure footing while operating the saw.
- Proper personal protective equipment should be worn when operating a saw. This includes hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing, and head protection.
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the saw.
- Watch for branches under tension; they may spring out when cut.
- Gasoline-powered chain saws should be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback.
- Be cautious of saw kickback. To avoid kickback, do not saw with the tip of the saw. If equipped, keep a tip guard in place.
The public right-of-way includes the sidewalk, boulevard, and street. See the tree debris removal graphic above for more information. .
If a tree or large limb from private property has dropped onto the public right-of-way, City crews will cut the debris at the house side of the sidewalk and remove the debris up to the cut.
Please do not add debris from private property to the public right-of-way. Any damaged trees or debris in an owner's yard are the owner's responsibility and will not be removed by the City of Sioux Falls. Free drop-off locations are available to assist people with cleanup.
Customers have several ways to report their outage, including the following:
- Download the Xcel Energy mobile app available on iOS and AndroidOnline at www.xcelenergy.com/out
- Text OUT to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage.
- Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the prompts in the automated system. This option enables customers to report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time.
It is essential to report your power outage so that your provider can identify all areas and residences needing assistance.
If there is a flag by a downed power line, it has already been reported and responded to. If you don’t see a flag or if the power line is arcing, please call 911 immediately to report.
Use common sense and exercise caution.
Yes. Please follow the safety guidelines from Sioux Falls Fire at Open Burn Guidelines
The City of Sioux Falls has a list of licensed residential contractors and tips on hiring a contractor. Visit Hiring a Contractor for information. Parks and Recreation have information on licensed arborists with the City of Sioux Falls at Licensed Arborists.
The Better Business Bureau recommends:
- Only hire contractors or arborists licensed within the City of Sioux Falls, bonded, and insured.
- Don't pay for services until work has started.
