Counties ready with disaster declaration orders

EDINBURG, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — The state has issued a disaster declaration for Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy and Starr Counties ahead of Beryl’s impact.

Officials say this declaration is necessary to move and prepare resources for any potential emergencies. These orders allow agencies to prepare volunteers and staff before a disaster happens.

In Cameron County, officials say the order allows them to provide more than 50,000 sandbags for residents. The disaster declaration also allows local counties to move forward with their emergency plans and opens the process of receiving aid from the state.

Cameron County Deputy EMC Sebastian Gonzalez says it is important to create a plan ahead of an emergency.

“Mainly, getting our equipment preposition where it needs to be, getting the employees ready, the ones that need to come to work, and activating the communication between the municipalities and cities to make sure they are on the same page,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez says the declaration paves the way for the county to issue a voluntary evacuation for recreational vehicles from areas like South Padre Island and to open sandbag distribution locations.

Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez says disaster declarations also allow for property losses to qualify for financial assistance.

“We have areas all over the county that are subjective to flooding,” the county judge said. “We’re working on those things where we’d have some issues on the east or east part of the county, a little northwest of Weslaco, we have some on the west side of the county, you know, around Edinburg around the University, there was some flooding issues there too. So really, it’s it’s spotted throughout the county.”

Cortez says the declaration also begins the process for officials to request resources from the state if needed. The orders usually last seven days, but they could be extended if needed by the Governor.

“Historically, we haven’t had a lot of events here in the area, fortunately, but it just takes one,” Gonzalez said. “I rather be on the safe side than wait out a storm whether it is a Cat 3 or whatever in my house.”

Cortez says Stephen F. Austin Middle School in San Juan will be open for those needing a safe place to stay.

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