Preparing Shelters In Advance Of Hurricane Ike
CPT Morgan Montalvo, TXSG-J6-PAO
2008/09/13

CAMP MABRY, Austin Texas (September 13, 2008) -- As the remnants of Hurricane Ike continue to make their way inland, the Texas State Guard continues to provide civilian authorities with disaster relief and humanitarian response assistance.

More than 500 State Guard personnel are operating shelters in San Antonio, Dallas, Texarkana, Tyler, Lufkin and Marshall, with multiple evacuee facilities open in these "shelter hub" communities.

Texas State Guard medical teams also are in place or on their way to Texarkana, Dallas, Tyler and Marshall, with other units ready to move in behind the storm and begin rescue and recovery work when requested by civilian authorities. An estimated 160 Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard troops are expected to augment the State Guard Shelter Task Force, which will open additional shelters as the need arises.

The Texas State Guard’s relief efforts are part of the Texas Military Forces response to Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s call-up of as many as 7,500 troops. The Texas Military Forces are composed of the Texas Army National Guard, The Texas Air National Guard and the Texas State Guard.

In addition to shelter management and medical response, the Texas State Guard is providing care for special needs patients, and communications and information technology assistance to governmental and emergency management agencies.

As severe weather associated with Hurricane Ike continues, evacuees and members of the public in need of help can call 2-1-1 statewide for information on nearby shelters.

For additional information, updates or to schedule a media interview with Texas State Guard personnel, call 512-581-2122 or 512-782-5313.