HARLINGEN — With the threat of potentially heavy rains heading this way, the American Red Cross is calling for local volunteers in the event of an emergency.
The local emergency organization is looking for a few good men and women to go into their local communities throughout the Valley to assist residents if they are available and if the need arises.
“We would love to get more volunteers,” said Lina Romero, Red Cross disaster program manager. “It is easier to help our communities when our volunteers are from those communities.”
She said the Red Cross would like for more area residents to volunteer to help the community in the time of need.
“We want to make sure our community works together,” Romero said.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Harvey have a chance of reforming and have caused many to begin to prepare in the event the storm surges through the Valley.
“We are in the pre-planning stages and are already working with our county partners and our region preparing resources in the event we are needed,” Romero said.
She said the Red Cross has begun gathering resources and volunteers.
“Heaven forbid it be a huge event,” Romero said.
She said during the 2015 flood, the local Red Cross had 160 volunteers to help take care of the people in need.
With the local partnerships throughout Valley cities, the Red Cross can utilize the area dome shelters in the event people would have to leave their homes.
The American Red Cross of South Texas has served Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo and Starr counties since 1917.
Romero said the Red Cross has a history of helping everyday people in time of suffering and continues the proud tradition of helping Valley residents prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Staff Report
HARLINGEN — City administrators and first responders have all hands on deck in case of a disaster caused by a potential storm, officials said.
“We are currently and will continue to monitor the progress of Harvey hourly as it continues west,” said Jeffry Adickes, Harlingen police chief. “All city departments with essential response duties are working hard behind the scenes to be prepared, but in hopes we are not impacted.”
According to Adickes the city of Harlingen, city manager and all the city departments have worked diligently over the past year to prepare the new Emergency Operations Center.
“All of our city leaders will be able to work as a team to meet the needs of our citizens and our city in the event of a manmade or natural disaster,” Adickes said.
PHONE: (956) 423-0523
TOLL FREE: (800) 785-7851
HOURS: M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: 6914 W. Exp. 83, Harlingen, TX 78552
