June 17, 2013 – Eagle Pass, TX – Today leaders from Maverick County and Eagle Pass met with local media to address the next stage for displaced residents due to the recent flooding in the region. First, Thompson Road has been cleared, inspected and is now open for travel.

Second, it is imperative for displaced residents to begin clean up on their residence immediately.  Do NOT WAIT for supplies that will be provided free of charge.  The longer a house is allowed to sit without cleanup the more opportunity there is for mold to collect and grow.

The clean-up kit being provided by the Red Cross includes items one can purchase at any hardware store.  They include:  a squeegee, a mop, a broom, a bucket, gloves, bleach and a household cleanser.  

Lowes Hardware Store is making a donation of cleaning supplies to the Food Pantry.  Those supplies will be available at the Pantry and should be picked up there.  The Food Pantry (located at 1609 Del Rio) is also accepting and distributing donations of clothing and household cleaning supplies. Items requested by the pantry include:

·         Diapers - Sizes 3, 4 and 5

·         Towels

·         Toilet Paper

·         Shower Shoes

·         Cleaning supplies

·         Water

·         Wipes

·         Ziplock Bags

The Red Cross will continue to partner with the Salvation Army to provide food to shelter residents at Eagle Pass Junior High School located at 1750 North Bibb.  We also have four Emergency Response Vehicles that are going throughout the neighborhoods and providing water and snacks.  The Southern

Baptist Convention of Texas will also set up their feed truck and will be providing food to the Red Cross to distribute to those affected by these floods. 

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this press release – please contact Rafael Aviles – American Red Cross Regional Communications Manager at (210) 288-3378.

 The Emergrency Operations Center released the following statement in reference to the relief efforts being carried out to flood affected areas within  Maverick County:

Notice is hereby given that the Governor of the State of Texas has declared Maverick County a Disaster Area. An emergency assessment team will be sent to evaluate the damage caused by the recent flooding. A federal disaster declaration has not been made. There is no federal individual assistance available at this time. Local non-profit and faith-based organizations are providing meals, shelter, clothes, cleaning assistance and supplies. For more information, please call the Emergency Operations Center at (830) 773-3918 or Maverick County Road & Bridge Department at (830) 773-2154 Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. If a federal declaration is made, information will be made available to the public.

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AVISO DE PRENSA

Aviso es aquí proveido que el Gobernador del Estado de Texas ha declarado el Condado de Maverick una zona de desastre. Se enviará un equipo de evaluación de emergencia para evaluar los daños causados por las recientes inundaciones. No se ha hecho una declaración de desastre federal. No hay ninguna asistencia federal individual disponible en este momento. Las organizaciones basadas en la fe y sin fines de lucro locales ofrecen comida, albergue, ropa, asistencia y artículos de limpieza. Para obtener más información, llame al centro de operaciones de emergencia al (830) 773-3918 o al departamento de puentes y caminos del Condado de Maverick al (830) 773-2154 de lunes a viernes de 8:00am a 5:00pm. Si se hace una declaración federal, información estará disponible al público.

CENTRO DE OPERACIONES DE EMERGENCIA

This past weekend, Maverick County endured torrential downpour and flooding.  We received over 17 inches of rain in a 36 hour period.  Over 140 families suffered a complete loss of their home and hundreds of other homes were damaged.  Now that the storm has passed, it is time to recover and rebuild.

Maverick County is my home.  To see my neighbors have to face the upcoming obstacles of searching, salvaging, and cleaning what is left of their homes and personal belongings is heartbreaking.  

Despite the turmoil that ensued from the flooding, I am very proud of how Maverick County and Eagle Pass stood united and worked together to mitigate the consequences of the storm.   County, City, State, and Federal authorities joined forces to do everything necessary to ensure the safety of those battling the flood.  Due to their collaborative efforts, there were no reported deaths from the flooding. Many were saved from flood waters by brave rescuers.  Rescue crews saved over 65 persons by boat from their homes.  These rescues would not have been possible but not for the teamwork, focus, and relentless perseverance of County, City, State, and Federal leaders, to make sure every single person was out of danger. 

The Office of the Governor Rick Perry has issued a Disaster Declaration for Maverick County and all necessary measures will be taken to continue to see through that the County receives all the assistance available under the law.  Although the storm is over, the recovery process has just begun and I will do everything that I can to help rebuild.  Maverick County has overcome many challenges before, and this situation will be no different.  Maverick County will rise strong.