CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ URGES RESIDENTS IN SOUTH TEXAS TO BE PREPARED FOR HURRICANE HARVEY

Congressional Documents & Publications

WASHINGTON--Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) is urging residents in Texas' 15th District to take precautionary measures to be prepared for Hurricane Harvey to make landfall.

Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) categorized the storm as a Category 2 Hurricane with winds recorded at 100mph. Hurricane Harvey is speculated to reach Category 4 strength by the weekend with winds reaching 131-155 mph.

"With Hurricane Harvey making landfall in the approaching hours, I strongly urge all South Texans to pay close attention to Hurricane warnings and adhere to the instructions of emergency management officials," Congressman Gonzalez said.

Congressman Gonzalez released a statement Thursday notifying constituents in his district of emergency management contact information and areas providing businesses and residents with sand bags. Texas Governor Abbott has declared a state of disaster for 30 Texas counties that will be affected by Hurricane Harvey.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT) released the following information for residents in the Rio Grande Valley who are in the Hurricane's path:

Important Tips

Your needs and those of your family should be the primary factors considered when determining the timing of your evacuation. Should the Evaculane be activated, citizens will be advised through local radio and television stations.

All citizens should prepare a plan well in advance of the evacuation.

The following steps are recommended:

* Assemble your disaster supplies kit with items such as flashlights, cell phones, extra batteries, battery chargers, portable radio, first aid kit, emergency water and food, medical supplies and equipment, non-electric can opener, highway map, important documents, such as insurance and medical information, etc.

* Secure your home against disaster to help reduce damages. Cover windows with shielding materials. Secure or put up any loose objects from around your home.

* If you cannot take your pets with you, make provisions for them.

* Know your area's evacuation plan/routes before you leave home (www.texasonline.com).

* Fill your vehicle with gas as early as possible. Take only the vehicle necessary to transport you and your family to safety. Extra vehicles create congestion.

* Bring extra cash in case banks are closed and ATMs are not working.

* Notify family and friends (especially those out the area) of your plan and your destination.

* Develop an emergency plan in case family members are separated. Instruct all evacuating family members of the name and contact information of your designated out-of-area friend or family.

* Ensure children know how and when to call 9-1-1.

* Evacuate, traveling safely to your destination.

* Expect travel times to destinations to be significantly longer than normal.

After the storm, listen to local officials for the all-clear signal before returning home. Check for information at www.texasonline.com.

Do not try to drive through standing water. Just a few inches can float a vehicle.

TxDoT has also provided route information for residents looking to voluntarily evacuate:

Alternate Hurricane Evacuation Routes for Rio Grande Valley

1. SH 100 from SPI/Port Isabel-travel to IH 69C/US 77/83 northbound, then to US 77 to Raymondville, continue North on US 77 to I-37 in Corpus Christi and northwest to San Antonio via I-37-Green Solid & Dashed Route (Available only if Corpus Christi is not evacuating).

2. SH 48 from SPI/Port Isabel west to US 281 (Military Highway) in Brownsville and continue west on US 281 to South Pharr, then turn on US 281 North to US 83 West and head west to Laredo-Red Route.

3. CONTRA-FLOW ROUTE US 77/83-travel northbound from Brownsville to Harlingen, then west on US 83 to the Pharr Interchange, then North on US 281 to I-37 to San Antonio-Dashed Blue Route (Motorists could be re-routed from I-37 to US Highway 281 just west of I-37 to San Antonio as traffic demands it-Solid Blue Route). I-37 from Corpus Christi to San Antonio is also a contra-flowed route.

4. SH 186 from Port Mansfield/Raymondville-travel west to US 281 and continue west on FM 1017 to SH 285 in Hebbronville, then west on SH 359 to Laredo or north on SH 16 to San Antonio-Orange Route.

5. SH 285 in Falfurrias-travel west to SH 16 in Hebbronville and continue north on SH 16 to San Antonio-Maroon Route.

Hurricane Evacuees need to consider the travel path of the hurricane and their destination when choosing their evacuation routes. Listen to local authorities and emergency broadcasts about weather and highway conditions.

TxDOT will have courtesy patrols on major roadways.

Congressman Gonzalez is urging residents to make a plan, be prepared, and follow any safety guidelines released by emergency management services. Here is a list of important services to contact should you or anyone in the area face an emergency during the storm:

Shelters and Special Needs

Call 2-1-1

Emergency Alert Stations

Pharr: KURV 710 AM Corpus Christi: KLUX 89.5 FM San Antonio: WOAI 1200 AM

State of Texas

www.texasonline.com

Texas Department of Transportation

www.txdot.gov

Highway Road Conditions and Evacuation Routes

www.drivetexas.org

1-800-452-9292

Texas Department of Public Safety