Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 21, 2008 10 a.m.
Evacuees to begin heading to Beaumont Monday
Mayor Barbara Bass announced at a press conference this morning that Hurricane evacuees from Beaumont will begin leaving Tyler Monday morning. The Tyler Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has arranged for 45 state asset buses to arrive at 8:30 Monday morning to take general population evacuees back to Beaumont.
- For evacuees who are still in a shelter, buses will come directly to the shelter on Monday to pick them up.
- Evacuees who arrived in Tyler by bus, but who have left their assigned shelter, must be at the Troup Highway shelter located at 3900 Troup Highway by 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 for the return trip to Beaumont.
- Today is “packing day” for tomorrow’s trip.
The City of Tyler Transit Department will continue to provide free service to evacuees with wristbands so that they are able to get to the Troup Highway Shelter. Flyers with bus route information and instructions to evacuees who have left the shelters are being distributed to local hotels by the Tyler Fire Department this morning. The Troup Highway shelter is located on the Yellow Line Southeast route.
All evacuees who are currently receiving dialysis will not repatriate at this time because there are no dialysis services available in Beaumont. These evacuees and their families will return to Beaumont as soon as these services are available.
The 157 medical special needs evacuees will not return to Beaumont until Tyler’s EOC receives confirmation that they have continuing care arrangements made.
Evacuees who arrived in Tyler with pets will be reunited with them as their buses leave Tyler. Under the coordination of Smith County, the pets have been cared for at local veterinarian clinics and kennels. All pets will be taken to Bed, Bath and Bonz on Highway 69 on Monday morning. Buses transporting pet owners will stop and pick up pets as they leave Tyler.
It is anticipated that most of the Tyler shelters will be closed Monday evening, with the exception of shelters caring for medical special needs evacuees, dialysis patients and their families who choose to remain in Tyler.
Many activities have taken place in the shelters to try to make the evacuees as comfortable as possible. Examples include: trips to the East Texas State Fair, medical clinics, laundry service, church performances, game days, basketball games, and movie days with popcorn.
“As we all know, even in times of crisis, life marches on,” said Mayor Bass. “This afternoon, one of our local non-profit organizations, FREE CAKES FOR KIDS, directed by Emily Fowler, is stepping in to throw a party for three children spending their birthdays in the Troup Highway Shelter. I would like to thank her and all of the other Tylerites who have helped to care for our fellow Texans.”
Media Advisory
Sept. 20, 2008
City of Tyler repatriation briefing on Sunday
What: The City of Tyler will hold a media briefing to provide the plan for repatriation evacuees from Beaumont.
When: 10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008
Where: Tyler Police Department
711 W. Ferguson
Tyler, Texas
Please go to Police Department lobby by 10 a.m., and you will be escorted to the conference room.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 19, 2008 2 p.m.
Tyler works on timeline for repatriation
Mayor Barbara Bass announced at a press conference this afternoon that the City of Tyler team that is working in Beaumont is reporting that a water test is planned for Saturday evening. If the water system performs well in this test, it is hoped that the boil water order can be lifted in Beaumont on Sunday morning. This will allow Beaumont to then reassess their mandatory evacuation order.
“It is our hope that this weekend will bring significant changes in the situation in Beaumont,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “I know that the evacuees are, understandably, very anxious to return to their homes.”
The Firemen and Police Officers who made the trip to Beaumont in Tyler’s mobile command unit are working at a food P.O.D. (point of distribution) to hand out food and water. They are also providing liaison services in the Beaumont EOC. We will be sending a relief team today so that the mission can continue through the weekend.
As planning for repatriation begins, a major issue that the City will face is gathering evacuees for the return trip home. With the assistance of FEMA, many evacuees have moved from shelters into local hotels. This will complicate efforts to communicate with evacuees about bus departure times and locations. For evacuees who arrived by bus, the ONLY return transportation that will be provided is the bus convoy returning to Beaumont. A request has been made to State 211 officials to provide a central point of contact for evacuees who have left shelters to register their current location. As additional information about this process is solidified, the City will notify the media.
Tyler Transit has continued to provide free fixed route bus service to evacuees staying in shelters. Due to the tremendous number of evacuees accessing this service, an additional bus has been added to the Yellow Line Southeast which services Troup Highway.
“In order for Transit to keep up with the demand for service on the Yellow Line Southeast, we will be adding one additional bus to assist with the demand,” said Gary Rushing, Tyler Transit manager. “This means that one bus will run Yellow Line Southeast while another bus will run Yellow Line Southwest. This step should allow us to transport our regular passengers during the heavy volume.”
The City of Tyler has been assured that expenses incurred will be reimbursed through FEMA and the State of Texas. To date, the expenses are estimated at $275,000; however all expenditures have not been reported. It is anticipated that the total cost for the City’s response to Hurricane Ike could reach $400,000 or more depending upon when evacuees can return to their homes.
“We would again like to thank all of the non-profit organizations in Tyler who have stepped in to help evacuees,” said Mayor Bass. “The Salvation Army, the Red Cross, among many others, have been invaluable in responding to the needs of the evacuees. The Food Bank of East Texas has distributed more than 104,000 pounds of food which is just an example of the generosity of our community.”
The Solid Waste Department and Oncor continue to coordinate efforts to assist residents in gathering curbside yard debris. Crews will be working this weekend to pick up yard debris that is stacked at the curb. Residents can help by ensuring that limbs are no larger than 4 feet in length and stacked in easily handled piles. If Oncor trims limbs to protect power lines, they will remove this debris as soon as they are able. We ask that residents be patient as thousands of yards of debris are collected and removed from neighborhoods.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 17, 2008 2 p.m.
Tyler sends team to Beaumont
Mayor Barbara Bass announced at a press conference this afternoon that a City of Tyler team has been sent to Beaumont to provide assistance to Beaumont officials in their response efforts; to act as a liaison between the two communities, and to obtain first-hand information about the current conditions in the community. The team is driving the Police Department’s mobile command unit and will be completely self sufficient.
“We would like to do whatever we can to assist and be a good partner,” said Mayor Bass. “We are very invested in understanding the status of the response to the hurricane. This is also a good opportunity for our first responders to learn best practices in dealing with disasters.”
The team is expected to stay in Beaumont for 2-3 days offering support to officials there.
In Tyler, efforts to care for the 1910 evacuees remaining in shelters continue. The closure of the Glass Center medical special needs shelter was completed yesterday afternoon. The highest acuity patients in the remaining two medical special needs shelters are being moved to care centers in the community so that they will receive the best care possible. There are no immediate plans to close any additional shelters.
“The evacuees are naturally anxious to get back home and to hear more about the status of their home,” said Mayor Bass. “We are doing everything we can to keep them comfortable and safe.”
Many evacuees have asked shelter managers about opportunities to gain temporary and permanent employment. Harold Womble of Workforce Solutions of East Texas reports that they are providing free access to their computers and phones and are assisting evacuees in applying for disaster unemployment benefits. They can be reached at (903) 561-8131.
Many of the evacuees arrived in Tyler with only the clothing they were wearing. This is a big need in the shelters at this time. Clothing donations for evacuees can be made at the following locations:
Church of Christ Benevolence Center
Don Crawford
215 S. Bonner
Tyler, Texas
(903)592-0809
Distributions to evacuees will be made from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Donations can be made anytime at the drop box.
Small donations of clothing items will also be accepted at:
St. Paul Children’s Foundation
Saleen Hearon
1358 East Richards
Tyler, Texas
(903) 531-9455
Evacuees are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or going to Fema.gov. Information about reimbursement of hotel expenses is on the FEMA website.
Other services still available to evacuees include:
- The City of Tyler will continue to provide free fixed route transit services to evacuees in shelters. A map of bus routes can be found at cityoftyler.org.
- The Salvation Army is continuing to provide free meals to evacuees in hotels and staying in private residences. Reservations can be made by calling (903)592-4361and are required.
- Evacuees with shelter wristbands are able to utilize internet services for free at the City Library. Free books are also available in the lobby of the Library for evacuees.
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Media Advisory
Sept. 16, 2008, 2 p.m.
Tyler continuing to care for evacuees
At a press conference this afternoon, City of Tyler officials report that communication from Beaumont indicates that their water supply and sewer system remains compromised, preventing the repatriation of evacuees being sheltered in Tyler. The mandatory evacuation order will not be lifted today.
Beaumont’s water treatment plant has power, but there is salt water intrusion so a boil-water order is in effect for 3 to 5 more days. The City’s sewer treatment plant is being powered by generators and is at 90% capacity. Nearly all roadways in Beaumont are drivable; however the majority of traffic control is out. A curfew remains in effect from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. for residents who did not evacuate. Restaurants are opening as well as food stores. Entergy, the local power provider, reported that 80% of electric service should be restored by Sept. 30.
“I spoke to Mayor Becky Ames at noon today,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “She said they are taking it hour by hour and working to resolve the issues that keep Beaumont residents from their homes. Tyler remains committed to providing shelter to residents from our sister city; however we are looking for ways to streamline our operations.”
Efforts to relocate medical special needs evacuees from the shelter at the City’s Glass Center will allow that shelter to close. More than 100 evacuees have been cared for at this center. By moving these evacuees to the two other medical special needs shelters, resources such as doctors and nurses can be used more efficiently.
The City’s largest shelter on Troup Highway is now the hub for distributing supplies to the remaining 18 shelters that are housing 2,173 evacuees from Beaumont. The warehouse space in the former Wal-Mart store is housing water, paper products and canned food items that are then taken to other shelters as they are needed.
Information from the State Operations Center, Mass Care Coordinator, is that they are working with FEMA to develop a transitional housing plan for the evacuees.
Self-evacuees who came in their own vehicles are strongly encouraged to NOT return to Beaumont as the basic services that would allow them to stay in the City are not in place. The City of Tyler is working closely to assist the State in developing a transition plan that will be shared with evacuees as soon as it is solidified.
Many agencies in Tyler have stepped up to assist the evacuees. Some of the services available include:
- The City of Tyler will continue to provide free fixed route transit services to evacuees in shelters. A map of bus routes can be found at cityoftyler.org.
- The Salvation Army is continuing to provide free meals to evacuees in hotels and staying in private residences. Reservations can be made by calling (903)592-4361and are required.
- Evacuees with shelter wristbands are able to utilize internet services for free at the City Library. Free books are also available in the lobby of the Library for evacuees.
- Goodwill has announced that they will give away free clothing to evacuees at the 409 W. Locust location tomorrow at 9 a.m. (Arrive prior to 9 a.m.)
Evacuees can register for F.E.M.A. assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or going to Fema.gov. Information about reimbursement of hotel expenses is on the FEMA website.
Clean up efforts are almost complete in the City of Tyler. All streets have been cleared and crews are picking up the remaining debris in the right of ways.
The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department is advising residents to take yard debris resulting from Saturday’s storm to the City landfill. There will be no charge for the drop off if a City of Tyler residential water bill is presented. Residents unable to get to the landfill can bundle the debris in 4 foot lengths and place it on the curb for pick up.
“I again wish to thank all the people in the Tyler area who are stepping forward to help our fellow Texans in need,” said Mayor Bass. “I am so proud to be part of this community.”
Media Advisory
Sept. 16, 2008
City of Tyler Hurricane Ike Update at 2 p.m.
What: The City of Tyler will hold a media briefing to provide information on the status of the repatriation of evacuees. The 10 a.m. briefing will not be held as we are awaiting word from the City of Beaumont.
Valuable information for evacuees from FEMA regarding hotel costs can be found at http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=45791
When: 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008
Where: Tyler Police Department
711 W. Ferguson
Tyler, Texas
Please go to Police Department lobby by 2 p.m., and you will be escorted to the conference room.
##
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 15, 2008 4 p.m.
Tyler Transit free for shelter evacuees
The City of Tyler Transit Department has announced that they will provide free, fixed-route transit service to Hurricane Ike evacuees that have a wristband indicating they are staying in a Tyler-area shelter.
“We would like to do what we can to help the evacuees to get out of the shelters and get around the City,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.
Information on Transit routes can be found on the City website (www.cityoftyler.org) on the Transit Department page. Tyler Transit provides five weekday routes from 6 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. On Saturdays, there are four routes that run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Other resources available to evacuees include:
- Evacuees can register for F.E.M.A. assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or by going to Fema.gov.
- The Salvation Army is providing meals to evacuees staying in hotels or with family or friends. A reservation must be made by calling (903) 592-4361.
- FEMA has activated the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System to help reunite families that have become separated as a result of Hurricane Ike. It can be accessed online at www.fema.gov. People may also call in at 1-800-588-9822, 24-hours a day.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 15, 2008 10 a.m.
Tyler in contact with Beaumont to determine repatriation timeline
At a press conference this morning, City of Tyler officials reported that communication from Beaumont indicates that the majority of the city is still without electric, sewer and water service. Self evacuees are asked to not return to the City and evacuation buses will not be dispatched until infrastructure is reestablished and a complete assessment is complete.
“I have talked with the Mayor of Beaumont, Becky Ames, this morning,“ said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “She has confirmed that they are still under a mandatory evacuation order. As updates are available we will respond accordingly.”
Evacuees can register for F.E.M.A. assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 or going to Fema.gov.
Tyler’s 19 shelters remain open and the supply chain to them is functioning well. At the Troup Highway shelter, 944 of the shelter’s estimated 1600 evacuees were moved to the Metroplex area. The Troup Highway shelter was considered a short term emergency shelter through the hurricane storms, as there are no permanent interior shower facilities and few interior restrooms. To meet the short term needs of the evacuees that were provided shelter there, portable restrooms, portable hand washing stations, and portable showers were brought to the shelter.
With all of the activity and movement of people that came from the rapid evacuation of Beaumont, there has been some misinformation regarding conditions in the shelters. On Sunday night an altercation between family members occurred in the Troup Highway shelter that resulted in the arrest of four people. Local law enforcement responded to the situation and quickly brought it under control. There have been no additional incidents since that time.
“Evacuees had been cooped up all day long due to the hurricane,” said Tyler Police Chief Gary Swindle. “It is not surprising that an altercation occurred. We also saw an increase of conflicts in private residences.”
Three medical special needs shelters in Tyler remain open and are caring for evacuees in need of continuous medical care. A medical clinic and pharmacy was set up at the Troup shelter and was managed by the Public Health Authority, Dr. Jonathan MacClements.
Clean up efforts continue in Tyler. The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department is advising residents to take yard debris resulting from Saturday’s storm to the City landfill starting today. There will be no charge for the drop off if a City of Tyler water bill is presented. Residents unable to get to the landfill can bundle the debris in 4 foot lengths and place it on the curb for pick up. Streets crews will continue picking up debris that was stacked in the right of way immediately following the storm as well as clear blocked streets as power lines are removed from fallen trees.
“The outpouring of support from community members in Tyler has been staggering,” said Mayor Bass. “I am confident that as residents from the coast learn more about the condition of their homes, Tyler will continue to offer comfort and support in this time of need.”
###
Media Advisory
Sept. 15, 2008
City of Tyler Hurricane Ike Update
What: The City of Tyler will hold a media briefing to provide information on cleanup following Hurricane Ike and the status of the repatriation of evacuees. Charles Hill from Oncor and Dr. Jonathan McClements, public health authority, will participate in the briefing.
When: 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 15, 2008
Where: Tyler Police Department
711 W. Ferguson
Tyler, Texas
Please go to Police Department lobby by 10 a.m., and you will be escorted to the conference room.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 14, 2008 4 p.m.
Tyler continues cleanup from Hurricane Ike; Municipal Court jury duty cancelled for Monday
The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department is advising residents to take yard debris resulting from Saturday’s storm to the City landfill starting Monday. The landfill is located five miles east of Tyler on FM 2767. There will be no charge for the drop off if a City of Tyler water bill is presented. Residents unable to get to the landfill can bundle the debris in 4 foot lengths and place it on the curb for pick up.
Tyler Municipal Court has announced that jury duty for Monday has been cancelled because a number of Tyler residents remain without electricity.
The Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is reporting that American Eagle has resumed their normal flight schedule today and Continental Connection will resume flights Monday morning. Travelers should call the 1-800 number for their airline to confirm specific flight information.
City of Tyler Streets crews will continue to remove trees and debris from roads and right of ways until the sun goes down tonight. Trees that continue to block roads will be removed as soon as Oncor is able to clear downed power lines intertwined in the trees. This effort will continue again tomorrow.
The movement of 800 evacuees from the Troup Highway shelter to the Metroplex area is continuing through this evening. This 120,000 square foot shelter housed 1600 evacuees since they arrived in the middle of the night on Friday.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 14, 2008 10 a.m.
Tyler cleans up from storm
At a press conference this morning, City of Tyler officials reported that cleanup from Hurricane Ike will continue through the day to remove fallen trees, power lines and debris from City streets and parks.
“Tyler is very fortunate that we came through the storm with limited damage, “ said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “I am very pleased with the tremendous response by City crews and first responders to ensure our residents were safe and our streets were clear as soon as possible.”
Traffic Signal crews responded to 15 calls for signals not operating and many have already been repaired. As power is restored to some of these signals, crews will continue to work to ensure they are functioning properly.
The Tyler Streets Department worked 115 locations for fallen trees blocking roadways throughout the night. Many of these calls involved power lines intertwined with the trees. Oncor worked quickly to remove the lines and the Streets Department followed and cleared the street. Currently there are approximately 25 locations that still need to be cleared. As crews cut up trees that were blocking streets, they stacked the debris in the right of way. This debris is being picked up at this time. There were no reports of flooding.
“We have fresh hands, daylight and good weather, so we are confident that cleanup efforts will proceed quickly,” said Mayor Bass.
The Tyler Fire Department responded to 145 calls, compared to the norm of 25 calls. These included two serious car crashes, three house fires and 12 EMS assists.
The Tyler Police Department dispatch received 1436 calls for assistance during the storm and 223 reports were taken. Most of these calls were reports of falling trees and downed power lines.
The Emergency Operations Center worked through the day and night to meet the ongoing supply needs of the 19 shelters in the Tyler area. Assessment teams in Beaumont report that power is out in much of Beaumont and the sewer system is not functioning. Water service has been connected; however is not currently potable. More information regarding conditions in Beaumont is expected later today.
“The supply chain for Tyler-area shelters is functioning well and we are prepared to meet the needs of our evacuees,” said Fire Chief David Schlottach. “We are in constant contact with Beaumont and our regional Disaster Committee and will work to repatriate our evacuees as soon as possible.”
This morning, approximately 800 evacuees at the Troup Highway shelter will be moved to the Ft. Worth reception center for assignment in shelters in the Metroplex. The Troup Highway shelter was considered a shelter of last resort and moving evacuees out of that facility will be the first priority. Buses have been staged in Harvey Hall and will be dispatched to the Troup Shelter as needed.
“I would like to thank the entire community for stepping in to help our fellow Texans in their time of need,” said Mayor Bass. “Our faith community, non-profit organizations, local businesses, City staff and individuals have all demonstrated the unfailing generosity Tyler is known for and have played an important role in providing shelter to the people of Beaumont.”
Media Advisory
Sept. 13, 2008
City of Tyler storm cleanup
What: The City of Tyler will hold a media briefing to provide information on cleanup following Hurricane Ike and initial planning for repatriation of evacuees. Charles Hill from Oncor and Smith County Judge Joel Baker will participate in the briefing.
When: 10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008
Where: Tyler Police Department
711 W. Ferguson
Tyler, Texas
Please go to Police Department lobby by 10 a.m., and you will be escorted to the conference room.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 13, 2008 1 p.m.
City of Tyler Transit services suspended
The City of Tyler Transit Department is suspending service for today due to Hurricane Ike. Buses are currently making fixed route sweeps to pick up final passengers at stops and shelters.
Transit will also make a sweep at 6 p.m. (weather allowing) to pick up any remaining riders.
Services will resume Monday, dependent upon weather and street conditions.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 13, 2008 Noon
Tyler residents advised to shelter in place
City of Tyler emergency management officials are advising residents to shelter in place during the upcoming storm, unless the damage to their home is severe. Power outages should be expected and reported to Oncor at 1-888-313-4747.
After the strong winds have passed, residents can contact the Police non-emergency number at (903) 531-1000 if their home is damaged and not habitable. They will be referred to a local shelter, if needed.
Please limit calls to the Police Department to emergencies only so that phone lines can remain open.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 13, 2008 10 a.m.
Tyler residents advised to remain indoors
At a media briefing held this morning at the Tyler Police Department by Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, officials advised residents to avoid driving and to stay indoors as Hurricane Ike reaches Tyler and Smith County today.
It is anticipated that the Tyler area will receive up to four inches of rain for most of the day as well as winds of 45 mph sustained with gusts of up to 65 to 80 miles per hour. Residents should be cautious of flying debris as well as downed power lines, and low water crossing and storm drains.
Non-essential City offices will be closed today, including the Tyler Public Library and recreation programs. Emergency workers are on stand by to respond to storm related issues. Tyler’s Technical Search and Rescue Team has been placed in a ready state to perform swift water rescue, high angle rescue, confined space rescue and trench rescues as needed. The City’s portable ACU 1000 system, which bridges radio frequencies between agencies, has been readied in the event it is needed.
The Tyler Public Airport reports that all flights in and out of Tyler today have been cancelled. The Airport has completed its preparations for the storm; airplanes have been tied down and fuel has been secured for emergency conditions. The airport and airfield will be open for business and for emergency flights if necessary. The airfield will be monitored for any hazardous conditions as the hurricane passes through East Texas. Customers should contact the 800 number for their airlines to get information on flights.
Three additional small shelters were opened yesterday to host 138 more evacuees, bringing Tyler’s total shelter count to 19 shelters and 3,410 evacuees. Backup generators have been requested for each of the shelter locations in the event of a power outage. The City has placed its largest mobile generator at the shelter on Troup Highway and a roof survey was completed on the building. MREs (self-heating meals ready to eat) have been staged in each shelter in the event power is unavailable for cooking and Oncor has been notified of all shelter locations.
Efforts to meet the ongoing needs of all evacuees are continuing. Additional restrooms and showers arrived for the Troup Highway shelter yesterday and several local businesses and churches stepped up to help with items to provide comfort to evacuees. AT&T and Verizon provided cell phones and set up a phone bank so that evacuees could contact family and friends; Grace Community Church set up big screen televisions, basketball hoops and children’s play areas in the shelter; Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Brookshires, Suddenlink, Lowes and Home Depot have all donated items; Bethel Bible Church has also been helping out at the shelter to offer support and comfort.
“The City has had several members of our leadership team at the shelter since it opened as well as Police Officers, Firemen and staff from several other Departments,” said City Manager Designate Mark McDaniel. “We are doing everything possible to make the evacuees more comfortable during this emergency situation.”
City Librarian Chris Albertson is at the Troup Highway shelter this morning providing reading materials to evacuees. The Parks and Recreation Department will also be on site to coordinate activities.
In the City of Tyler, residents should call (903) 531-1000 to report fallen trees and flooding issues. For emergencies, call 911. If it is a minor situation, please wait until after the storm to call so that lines can remain open for emergencies.
Media Advisory
Sept. 13, 2008
City of Tyler storm media briefing
What: The City of Tyler will hold a media briefing to provide information on response for the storm… WEATHER PERMITTING.
When: 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008
Where: Tyler Police Department
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 12, 2008 11 a.m.
City shelters 3272 evacuees from Hurricane Ike
At a media briefing held this morning at the Tyler Police Department by Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, officials reported that more than 3272 evacuees have arrived in Tyler from Beaumont, seeking shelter from Hurricane Ike. Between 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday morning, more than 100 buses arrived in Tyler.
Evacuees were processed at the Faulkner Park Reception Center and sent to one of 16 local shelters that are manned by the Red Cross and the Texas State Guard in Tyler and Smith County. Shelters have been established in local churches, City facilities, privately owned business, and non-profit organizations. Three shelters for medical special needs evacuees also were launched with a capacity for 350 evacuees. As of this morning all 16 shelters are at capacity and personnel are working to launch additional shelters. Tyler’s 2340 hotel rooms are all at capacity as well. Buses and self evacuees are now being directed to other areas of the State.
Because all shelters mobilized for Hurricane Gustav were not available, and a much larger evacuation population was anticipated, City of Tyler officials worked with community members to identify new locations to house evacuees. The largest shelter mobilized is the former Wal-Mart store located on Troup Highway. The 120,000 square foot building is sheltering 1600 evacuees. The store owner graciously allowed the City to utilize the facility during this emergency and several agencies as well as local businesses stepped up to help prepare the building:
· Carrier provided a crew to repair 13 air conditioning units;
· Stanley Steamer cleaned the carpeting;
· City of Tyler employees made minor repairs;
· The Smith County Volunteer Fire Department set up cots;
· The Smith County Jail Trustees helped to clean the building that had been vacant for
a couple of years;
· The Texas State Guard is managing the shelter;
· AT&T is providing free phone service to evacuees; and,
· Grace Community Church has volunteered to adopt the shelter to provide care and
comfort items such as toys for children and supplies for infants.
As the actual evacuation process winds up, the focus of the Emergency Operations Center will shift to ensuring the needs of the evacuees are met. These needs include hygiene kits, blankets, pillows, cots and meals for shelter evacuees. The Red Cross is working with Meals on Wheels and the East Texas Food Bank to meet this need. Monetary donations are greatly needed and can be made by going to www.redcross.org. Donations of items such as personal hygiene products, canned goods and single serving snacks can me made at the East Texas Food Bank.
Additionally, medical care for evacuees is an ongoing need that is being coordinated by the Medical Operations Center managed by the North East Public Health District.
As Tyler will likely experience severe weather as a result of the storm, City of Tyler personnel continue to prepare for the storm by inspecting all major street crossings, bridges and culverts to ensure drains and creeks are clear to prevent flooding. Tylerites should prepare by fuelling up vehicles, securing outdoor items, and stocking up on emergency supplies such as batteries, food and water.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 11, 2008 4 p.m.
Evacuees begin arriving in Tyler
The City of Tyler Emergency Operations Center reports that currently 32 buses are in route to Tyler from Beaumont carrying 1,038 evacuees. The first buses have not yet arrived in Tyler.
Three shelters have been opened and several self evacuees who arrived in personal vehicles have been sent to these locations. An additional 21 shelters with a capacity for 2,060 evacuees have been secured and will be mobilized as they are needed to accommodate evacuees arriving in Tyler. Additional shelters are being identified and prepared.
For residents wishing to assist, in-kind donations should be directed to the Salvation Army, PATH, Goodwill, and the East Texas Food Bank. Financial contributions should be directed to the Red Cross (www.redcross.org) or the partner organizations listed above.
For residents staying with family or friends, or in hotels, meals will be available through the Salvation Army. Evacuees must call (903) 592-4361 to make a reservation for meals.
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Sept. 11, 2008 Noon
Tyler launches emergency management plan for Hurricane Ike
At a media briefing held at noon at the Tyler Police Department, City of Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass reported that the City of Beaumont ordered a mandatory evacuation at 7 a.m. this morning due to Hurricane Ike. The City of Tyler has activated the emergency management plan in response to the event.
The Tyler Emergency Operations Center has been stood up as of 9:30 a.m. this morning. It will be staffed by City emergency personnel, City management, and liaisons from Smith County, the Texas State Guard, and the North East Public Health District. The Center is responsible for coordinating the response to the emergency situation.
Currently, 12 buses are enroute from Beaumont and self evacuees have already begun to arrive in Tyler. The first three shelters in Tyler have been opened and additional shelters are being mobilized at this time.
The Tyler Reception Center at Faulkner Park has been opened to process evacuees presenting in Tyler. Evacuees who need to stay in a shelter must present at the reception center to be assigned to a shelter. Self-evacuees who will stay in a hotel do NOT need to go to the reception center; they can call 211 for information on area hotels with vacancies. Maps of local hotels will also be available at the Reception Center.
Tyler is the designated location for special needs evacuees from Beaumont, Texas. It is estimated that this number could be as high as 6000 estimated evacuees. During Hurricane Gustav, Tyler received 3,300 evacuees that were housed in shelters and an additional 2,000 self evacuees who stayed in local hotels.
“We are actively preparing for the arrival of evacuees which are expected in the early afternoon,” said Mayor Bass. “The timeline for establishing services is extremely compressed and we are working closely with all of our partners – the County, Red Cross, local shelter locations, Public Health District, and the Baptist Children’s Family Services (BCFS) – to ensure shelters are available.”
Because of the changing path of Hurricane Ike, evacuations that are typically called for at H-72 (Hurricane minus 72 hours) are now being conducted at H-45.
Smith County is inspecting vacant City of Tyler facilities to select a secondary location for the pet shelter. Initially, local kennels will be accessed. Evacuees must bring their pet to Faulkner Park for processing into the pet shelter.
City of Tyler personnel are preparing for the storm by inspecting all major street crossings, bridges and culverts to ensure drains and creeks are clear to prevent flooding. All City crews have been placed on standby in preparation for responding to the storm. Oncor will stage crews in Tyler as needed to be able to quickly respond once the storm hits. Oncor also has 30 tree-trimming crews on their way to Tyler at this time.
“Tyler will likely experience severe weather as a result of the storm,” said Fire Chief David Schlottach. “Residents should prepare by fuelling up vehicles, securing outdoor items, and stocking up on emergency supplies such as batteries, food and water.”
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Media Advisory
Sept. 11, 2008
Beaumont calls for evacuation
What: The City of Tyler has been notified that Beaumont has called for an evacuation due to Hurricane Ike. City officials are in communication with Beaumont and State officials to determine the number of special needs evacuees Tyler will receive. The Emergency Operations Center will be stood up at 9:30 a.m. and preparations to open a reception center are in progress. The City will hold a media briefing to provide an update on the impact to Tyler at noon today.
When: Noon, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
Where: Tyler Police Department
711 W. Ferguson
Tyler, Texas