Government

Gov. Perry activated resources in anticipation of Tropical Storm Humberto

- State resources deployed to region
- Update: Gov. Perry has requested Presidential Disaster Declaration for four Texas counties, including Galveston and Chambers Counties

From the Office of Gov. Rick Perry

September 26, 2007

AUSTIN–Gov. Rick Perry Sept. 13 declared three southeast Texas counties disaster areas as a result of Hurricane Humberto. Humberto, which developed from a tropical depression into a Category 1 hurricane in just over 12 hours, made landfall early this morning, producing heavy rains and high winds in Jefferson, Orange and Galveston Counties.

“Texans in Jefferson, Orange and Galveston Counties can rest assured that we have deployed the necessary resources to help them recover from the devastation resulting from this storm,” Perry said. “We are working closely with local officials to restore power to the region and to ensure everyone’s safety. I urge all Texans to heed the warnings of their local leaders and take all possible precautions to stay out of dangerous situations.”

Numerous areas in these counties are without power. State and local officials are focusing on restoring power to these regions. Power generators, trucks of water and ice are en route to the effected areas.

In advance of the storm, Perry ordered the activation and pre-positioning of 50 high profile vehicles and 200 Texas Military Forces (TMF) soldiers. To assist with potential search and rescue operations, Perry activated six TMF Blackhawk helicopters and two Texas Task Force 1 swift water rescue teams. Additional search and rescue capabilities include 60 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department boats and 120 personnel; five General Land Office boats and crew; and the Texas Forest Service Lonestar Incident Management Team to provide logistical support.

Perry also requested and received approval for additional aviation assets if needed from the U.S. Coast Guard. All state resources are ready for rapid deployment. Voluntary organizations are also prepared to provide mass care support for residents if needed.

The State Operations Center was fully activated Sept. 12 in anticipation of the storm and is conducting twice daily conference calls with the National Weather Service, local jurisdictions, state agencies, mass care elements, volunteer groups, private sector partners, and the federal government to provide maximum situational awareness of the potential threat to Texas.