Brownsville, Texas—Cameron County Emergency Management Director Johnny Cavazos outlined the county’s plan of evacuation in the event of a hurricane Thursday evening at a meeting called by Precinct 1 Commissioner Sofia Benavides. Addressing about 20 residents, Cavazos said the county plans to issue a mandatory evacuation once a hurricane is 30 to 60 hours from making landfall and there is convincing evidence of a direct hit.
Cavazos showed footage of the effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and computerized images of what South Padre Island and Brownsville would look like if a Category 5 hurricane hit the area.
One key step in the evacuation plan is getting those without means of transportation to safety. The county will bus residents who have registered with the 211 system out of the area.
Several pick-up locations will be set up allowing pre-registered people to get roundtrip passes and board designated buses.
The buses, after being inspected and provided with proper tracking systems, would then take residents to a state reception area, possibly in San Antonio.
Also, the county and American Red Cross would no longer open emergency shelters, in order to discourage people from staying in the area.
According to Cavazos, no one will be forced to evacuate if they remain in their home, but will be asked to leave if they venture outdoors.
The evacuation buses will transport pre-registered citizens as well as their pets, as long as owners can show proper immunization records.
People interested in registering for the transportation service can call 211.
The director of the area 211 call center, Thelma Longoria, said people cannot register after a hurricane is sighted 72 hours from the county.
The Brownwsville Herald
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