Mandatory Evacuation in Refugio County, Texas, Due to Tropical Storm Beryl
A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for all of Refugio County, Texas, County Judge Jhiela “Gigi” Poynter announced in a Facebook post.
The evacuation order applies to the entire county and is “effective immediately,” Poynter stated in the Facebook video posted Saturday followingnoon.
Poynter emphasized the importance of taking preventative measures, noting the ongoing reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Harvey’s devastation in 2017.
“We know how quickly things can escalate,” she stated. “I would rather err on the side of caution and let Tropical Storm Beryl come with some rain and wind into an empty Refugio County than face the consequences if it intensifies beyond predictions, which we have seen happen with previous storms.”
Poynter further explained that during the storm, the local county hospital will be diverting emergency patients, the city’s water supply will be shut off, and once sustained winds reach 45 mph (72 km/h), the city’s ambulances and fire trucks will be unable to operate.
According to the U.S. Census, Refugio County has a population exceeding 6,600.
City officials will provide bus transportation to an emergency shelter “outside the city” for residents who are unable to evacuate independently, Poynter confirmed.
Information regarding pick-up locations and times will be available shortly, she added.
Refugio County, Texas Orders Mandatory Evacuation Due to Tropical Storm Beryl
Refugio County, Texas, has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents due to the approaching Tropical Storm Beryl. The order, issued by County Judge Jhiela “Gigi” Poynter on Saturday followingnoon, is effective immediately. This comes as the county is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, making the potential threat of Beryl a serious concern.
Why is Refugio County Ordering a Mandatory Evacuation?
The decision to order a countywide evacuation was made following careful consideration of the potential risks associated with Tropical Storm Beryl. County Judge Poynter emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents.
“We know how quickly things can escalate,” she said in a Facebook video post. “I’d rather be cautious and let Tropical Storm Beryl come crawling with a little rain and a little wind into an empty Refugio County than the alternative if it strengthened beyond what is predicted, which we know has happened with several storms in the past.”
Furthermore, the county has acknowledged the limitations of its resources during a storm of this scale. Key services, including emergency medical care, water supply, and emergency response vehicles, are likely to be significantly impacted.
- Emergency Medical Services: The local county hospital will be diverting patients due to the storm’s potential impact, requiring residents to seek medical attention elsewhere if necessary.
- Water Supply: The city’s water supply will be shut off, meaning residents will need to take steps to conserve water and plan for potential shortages.
- Emergency Response: Once sustained winds reach 45 mph (72 km/h), ambulances and fire trucks will be unable to operate safely, limiting the county’s ability to respond to emergencies.
Evacuation Information and Support
For residents who are unable to evacuate on their own, the city is providing bus transportation to an emergency shelter located outside of the county. Information regarding pickup locations and times will be made available shortly.
Refugio County officials are urging all residents to comply with the mandatory evacuation order. With a population of over 6,600, ensuring the safety of every individual is paramount. The county is committed to providing support and resources to make the evacuation process as smooth as possible.
Staying Informed and Safe During Tropical Storm Beryl
Here are some key actions residents can take to stay informed and safe during Tropical Storm Beryl:
- Monitor Weather Updates: Stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and advisories issued by local and national weather agencies.
- Follow Official Instructions: Adhere to all evacuation orders and instructions issued by local authorities. Pay attention to any emergency alerts or notifications.
- Prepare Your Home: Secure loose objects in your yard, bring in outdoor furniture, and consider boarding up windows to minimize potential damage.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Have a readily accessible emergency kit that includes essentials such as food, water, first aid supplies, medications, a flashlight, batteries, and a weather radio.
- Be Aware of Flooding Risks: Tropical storms can cause significant flooding. Avoid driving through flooded areas, as it can be deadly.
- Stay Informed and Connected: Charge your mobile devices and keep a portable charger on hand. Identify alternative communication methods in case of power outages.
Taking Precautions and Being Prepared
This mandatory evacuation underscores the importance of preparedness. When preparing for a potential hurricane or other natural disaster, residents can benefit from the following:
- Create a Family Emergency Plan: Determine a meeting point for your family, including out-of-state contacts. Ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
- Secure Important Documents: Make copies of essential documents like insurance policies, medical records, and identification. Consider keeping digital backups as well.
- Stock Up on Essential Supplies: Prepare a survival kit with enough food, water, medicine, and supplies to sustain you and your family for several days.
- Review Insurance Policies: Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies, ensuring adequate coverage for potential storm damage.
- Know Your Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with the designated evacuation routes for your area. Have multiple options in case some routes are impassable.
Importance of Following Official Instructions
In situations like this, compliance with official instructions from local authorities is crucial. The focus should be on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Timely evacuations, particularly in areas prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, play a vital role in mitigating risks and protecting lives.
By prioritizing safety and following official guidelines, Refugio County aims to minimize the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Beryl and ensure that its residents are well-prepared to weather this storm.
This article will be updated with the latest information regarding Tropical Storm Beryl and the situation in Refugio County, Texas. Stay tuned for further developments and updates.
