Perry issues disaster declaration

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Perry issues disaster declaration

Posted Monday, August 4, 2008

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Gov. Rick Perry Monday issued a disaster declaration in response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Edouard to Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Calhoun, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Walker and Wharton counties. The governor’s declaration allows the state to initiate necessary preparedness efforts, such as pre-deploying resources requested by local officials to ensure their communities are ready to respond to severe weather.

The governor has activated and mobilized state resources, including up to 1,200 National Guard troops, in preparation for Tropical Storm Edouard, which is expected to make landfall on the Texas coastline early Tuesday morning. The state is ready to provide assistance requested by local officials.

"As we demonstrated less than two weeks ago with Hurricane Dolly, the State of Texas is prepared to respond to Tropical Storm Edouard," said Gov. Perry. "I urge Texans along the coast to monitor this storm closely and take necessary precautions to protect their families, homes and businesses."

In anticipation of the storm, Gov. Perry activated up to 1,200 Texas National Guard troops, Texas Task Force 1, the Lone Star Task Force and four incident management teams. If needed, more than 150 buses will be staged in San Antonio and 50 at Darrell Tully Stadium in Houston, in addition to 15 wheelchair accessible vans. Fuel supply trucks and trailers are in the area to ensure adequate fuel supplies, and volunteer organizations are prepared to provide mass care support for residents. All state resources are ready for rapid deployment.

Five C130 aircraft, including one from Delaware, will assist with medical evacuations if needed. Additional Medvac crews are arriving from Delaware, Mississippi and West Virginia.