SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Multiple Valley emergency management coordinators gathered at the South Padre Island Convention Center to talk about what they learned from dealing with Hurricane Harvey.
Cameron County’s EMC Tom Hushen stood in front of the group and one-by-one asked each person to talk about what they learned and reflect on what could have been done better.
South Padre Island Fire Chief said coordination conference calls with the county and neighboring cities was very helpful.
“When we needed to close the causeway we had a miscommunication on how that should happen,” Fowler said.
Fowler was one of the many EMC who attended the first regular monthly county and city first responder meeting since Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas Coastal Bend and left parts of Texas a disaster zone.
A follow up meeting will be scheduled at a later date.
According to the Weather Channel Florida is the state most likely to see a landfalling hurricane in the month of October.
Since 1851 Texas has had 64 direct hurricane hits. Florida leads with 117 and Louisiana third with 54.
“We need to be prepared years in advance for the evacuation side, emergency medical need, shelters and how people will evacuate,” said Tom Hushen, Cameron County director of emergency management.
Hushen said Hurricane Harvey did affect us in some manor even though it turned out of the Valley’s way.
“With these meetings we have plans in place to try and fit any scenario that happens,” Hushen said. “We can’t fit every scenario, but we are going to plan on that to be able to work together.”
Info box:
– Counties and cities held conference calls twice a day in preparation for Hurricane Harvey and it paid off.
Officials said having better communications with local schools would have made a big difference.
– Cities need to better track labor and equipment records for reimbursement from the state.
Officials reinforced the need to fill out paper work for reimbursement costs and emergency assistance. The Federal disaster threshold is $1.4 million.
Officials will continue to meet to be ready and learn the paperwork procedure.
– Evacuation plans for those on evacuation need lists.
Officials said individuals with evacuation needs were not aware of the proper window of evacuation.
Officials said there is a need to educate the public about when to evacuate.
– The urge for public to self deploy with boats and trailers filled with supplies became hazardous and unorganized.
Officials said many of the self deployment efforts created more problems, liability costs and safety issues and concerns.
Officials asked in the future to donate money and supplies to an appropriate charity already in place to help those in need.
– Overtime work
Officials praised the amount of work city employees and first responders made before & during Harvey.
Officials also stated planning for debris removal after the storm is necessary.
The STEAR program is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community.
Who Should Register for STEAR?
• People with Disabilities
• People with access and functional needs such as:
• People who have limited mobility
• People who have communication barriers
• People who require additional medical assistance during an emergency event
• People who require transportation assistance
• People who require personal care assistance
How to register for STEAR?
Call: 877-541-7905
