LIMITED SHELTER OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN, AROUND WASHINGTON CO. FOR HURRICANE LAURA EVACUEES

  

Those seeking shelter in or around Washington County as Hurricane Laura approaches may have to look elsewhere.

Hotels and motels in Brenham and surrounding areas have quickly filled up with evacuees looking to wait out the storm ahead of its projected landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday on the Southeast Texas coast.  County Judge John Durrenberger said Faith Mission, the disaster agency for the county and the City of Brenham, is actively coordinating with local hoteliers to determine how many rooms are still available.

According to County Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke, evacuation shelters are available, but they are quite a drive for the Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana residents trying to avoid the storm.  The state has shelters set up in Austin, Ennis, Mesquite, and San Antonio in order to keep evacuees as far away from the projected track of the storm as possible.

In a news conference today (Tuesday), Governor Greg Abbott asked families to isolate themselves from other groups and prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 by staying in hotels or motels if possible.  He said state and local officials have adjusted evacuation strategies by placing fewer people in sheltering areas, loading fewer passengers onto bus shuttles, and providing personal protective equipment to those in shelters and on buses.

Citizens looking to receive emergency notifications can sign up for the county’s Emergency Alert System on the county’s website, www.co.washington.tx.us.  Those who need help signing up or are having trouble receiving notifications can contact Ruemke at 979-353-7683.

Faith Mission is making preparations to provide storm relief, with Executive Director Reverend Randy Wells saying the organization has been in contact with Ruemke and other county officials for information on the current situation and potential needs.  Rev. Wells said the local community will be in position if necessary to serve those in the path of the storm.

To volunteer or provide donations, call the Faith Mission Disaster and COVID-19 Call Center at 1-800-845-8035.