Texas relief efforts headed to assist Florida, the Carolinas

HOUSTON – As Hurricane Matthew threatens parts of the eastern coast, several agencies in Texas are traveling along the storm's path Thursday, to help with disaster relief.

"We are in constant contact with emergency responders up and down the coast," said Mary Jane Mudd, regional communications manager, American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Regional Office.

Mudd said two disaster relief trucks are scheduled to leave Texas for Florida Thursday. Each truck carries two volunteers. Three additional volunteers from Texas will be assigned to assist in shelters and with case work, officials said.

These numbers could change, Mudd told KPRC2, depending on Matthew's impact.

Volunteers spent Thursday afternoon stocking disaster relief vehicles at Red Cross' Southwest Freeway location. Jon Strohbehn, who's volunteered for some 40 years, did his part.

"I'm concerned about the number of people who will be harmed and hurt and whose lives will be permanently changed by this event," Strohbehn said.

Along with Red Cross, other organizations are sending resources east.

The office of Governor Greg Abbott confirmed Thursday Texas A&M Forest Service All-Hazards Incident Management Teams (AHIMT) are en route to Florida. The group consists of 30 personnel and may be adjusted as the situation develops, the governor's office said in a statement.

Other Texas state agencies are on standby to respond to any further requests from impacted areas.

Additionally, Governor Abbott has called Governor Rick Scott of Florida, Governor Nathan Deal of Georgia and Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina to offer any assistance as their states prepare to deal with Hurricane Matthew.

“As Hurricane Matthew prepares to impact the United States, it is crucial that our fellow Americans receive the assistance they need," said Governor Abbott in a statement.

More than 200 CenterPoint employees and contractors are expected to leave for Florida and the Carolinas early Thursday morning.

Crews fueled up vehicles and performed safety checks ahead of their travels. Thirty to 40 trucks are expected to make the trip.

Crews will help electric companies with anticipated power outages from Hurricane Matthew.

Longtime CenterPoint employee Thomas Klesel has traveled to help with more than 25 disasters in the past.

"It's in you just to get ready to go. We as a team like to go help people out. It makes you feel good at the end of the day, or the end of the trip, that you was able to help someone else that's in need,” he said.

CenterPoint crews are expect to be in Florida and the Carolinas for at least two weeks, but it could be longer.
 


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