Schools On Standby to Assist With Hurricane Evacuations
August 31, 2008
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has ordered the continued mobilization and pre-positioning of state resources in anticipation of Hurricane Gustav’s potential landfall. Gustav strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane today with winds at 145 mph. According to the National Weather Service, Texas remains among the Gulf States in the projected path, and additional strengthening of this system is forecast before making landfall along the Gulf coast.
State efforts began today to move medical special needs residents from Beaumont and Port Arthur to San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso using aerial assets, buses and ambulances. Orange County, Jefferson County, the City of Beaumont and the City of Port Arthur have issued voluntary evacuations. The state will continue to provide support and assistance to local officials.
Texas Education Agency: 150 buses, 100 of which are from the Dallas County Schools, are on standby to evacuate coastal residents, if necessary. School districts in the interior part of the state are making preparations to open as shelters, if needed. The Round Rock Independent School District is providing buses and instructors to train members of the Texas Military Forces who may be needed to drive buses for potential coastal evacuations. Coastal school districts are reviewing their evacuation plans and making preparations in case they need to evacuate.
