August 24, 2020 - The Shelby County Office of Emergency Management and Emergency Management Director, Judge Allison Harbison are keeping abreast of information on the current situation with Tropical Storms Marco and Laura.
We are participating in daily conference calls with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS).
While TS Marco doesn’t seem to pose much of a threat to Shelby County, TS Laura’s impact on our county remains to be seen until more information is available as to its direct path and strength.
Shelby County is still considered a “pass through” county in the states’ coastal evacuation and sheltering plans. There will not be bus loads of evacuees sent to our area but these evacuees will be directed to areas such as San Antonio and possibly Dallas/Fort Worth where larger shelters are located and resources are more readily available. There could possibly be self-evacuees that fill local hotels and stay with relatives/friends locally. There are no current plans to open shelters for self evacuees because of limited resources available and, due to the COVID Pandemic, sheltering poses even more challenges that would prove to be difficult.
We encourage everyone to listen closely to your local weather sources to keep informed of impacts to Shelby County from these storms which could include heavy rain/flooding, high winds, and possible tornadoes. There is also the possibility of power outages.
Personal, family preparation for any disaster is always important. Following is list of suggested items for a Disaster Preparedness Kit:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
