Alex Update from the Hidalgo County Public Information Office

ALEX UPDATE # 3

COUNTY OFFICES TO REOPEN FRIDAY, RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO OBEY ROAD BARRICADES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 1, 2010 @ 11:30 AM

COUNTY OFFICES TO REOPEN AT 8:00 AM FRIDAY 

Due to flooding and road conditions in the aftermath of Hurricane Alex, Hidalgo County offices will remain closed today, Thursday, July 1, 2010.  County offices will reopen at 8:00 am, Friday, July 2, 2010.  All County employees are expected to report to their work location and resume normal operations to ensure continuity of government services. County employees are also encouraged to visit the County website at www.co.hidalgo.tx.us for information on road closures. 

RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO OBEY ROAD BARRICADES

To ensure their safety from hazardous road conditions and flooding, all residents are reminded to obey all barricades and road blocks.  Road barricades will be strictly enforced by local law enforcement officials; driving around or attempting to bypass barricades or road blocks in flooded waters is considered a Class B Misdemeanor offense, which can be punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000, confinement in jail not to exceed 180 days, or both.

McAllen Express Transit Suspends Services due to Hurricane Alex

Media Advisory 

McAllen Express Transit Suspends Services due to Hurricane Alex

Due to Hurricane Alex and the current weather conditions in McAllen, Texas, the McAllen Express Transit (MET) Department announces suspension of all transportation services at 1:00 PM today, Wednesday June 30^th. MET services are anticipated to resume tomorrow, Thursday June 30^th at 6:00AM as regularly scheduled unless otherwise notified.

For more information, please contact the McAllen Express Transit Department at (956) 681-3510.

Parks and Recreation Announces Cancellations

The City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department announced today that all recreational programs have been cancelled through Saturday, July 3rd, at its three community centers and Quinta Mazatlan.

With Hurricane Alex expected to make landfall early Thursday morning, the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department decided to suspend classes due to the expected heavy rainfall and strong winds. Lark, Las Palmas and Palm View Community Centers will still be open through the rest of the week but programs will not resume until Tuesday, July 6th. All City public pools will also be closed until Monday, July 5th.

“We encourage everybody to stay home and take care of their families and homes,” said Director Sally Gavlik. “The last thing anyone needs to be worried about right now is making it out to one of our recreational classes.”

With Hurricane Alex expected to push through the Valley by the end of the week, the

McAllen Parks and Recreation is planning to have the 82nd Annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 3rd. The “Freedom: An American Treasure” Parade will take place at 9:00 a.m. at Archer Park, and “Concert in the Sky” Fireworks Display at 9:00 p.m. at Municipal Park.

For more information, please contact the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department at 956-681-3333.

McAllen Memorial HS, 10 Other Hidalgo County Shelters Open

Hidalgo County Emergency Management has opened McAllen Memorial High School and 10 other shelters. Residents living in low lying areas and substandard housing are advised to seek shelter.

Shelter Locations

• La Villa High School 200 W. Hwy 107 La Villa, TX
• McAllen Memorial H.S. 101 E. Hackberry
• PSJA North H.S. 500 E. Nolana Pharr, TX
• PSJA High School 805 W. Ridge San Juan, TX
• PSJA Memorial H.S. 800 S. Alamo Rd. Alamo, TX
• Edcouch-Elsa H.S. Hwy 107 & Mile 4 N Edcouch, TX
• Veterans Middle School 3207 N. Golie Donna, TX
• Kenneth White Jr. High 1101 Griffin Pkwy. Mission, TX
• Alton Memorial M.S. 1201 Bryce Dr. Mission, TX
• La Joya H.S. 604 N. Coyote Dr. Mission, TX
• Mission Memorial M.S. 2610 N. Moorefield Mission, TX

Additional shelters locations will be announced later as they become ready to accept individuals.

What you need to know about shelters

• A shelter will not provide the comforts of a hotel or motel.
• Only basic first aid will be available at most shelters.
• The shelter does not accept responsibility for storing valuable personal property.
• Parents are required to be in control of their children at all times.
• Shelters may be equipped with generators, but they may or may not be airconditioned.
• If electrical power is interrupted, portable generators may not be able to keep air conditioners running.
• Shelters will not ask for proof of residency.

What to bring to a shelter

Plan for up to five days and bring the following:

• Non-perishable food and snacks (it may not be provided at the shelter)
• Personal hygiene items
• Beddings such as cots, air mattresses, blankets and pillows for their own use (none will be provided)
• Water (rule of thumb: 1 gallon per day per person)
• Extra change of clothing
• Personal items (medications, eyeglasses, hearing aid, flashlights, toothbrushes, battery-operated radio, special diet foods, if appropriate)
• baby supplies: ample amounts of baby food, formula, juice, diapers and wipes, and a stroller, portable crib or play pen
• Provisions for the elderly
• Driver's license, other identification
• Cash, traveler's checks
• Important documents

What NOT to bring to the shelter

• Pets
• Firearms or explosive devices
• Alcoholic beverages
• Illegal drugs

Before you leave your home

• Board your windows.
• Have a good meal.
• Turn off electricity at the fuse box (to prevent possible fire).
• Turn off water at the outside line.
• Turn off gas for gas water heaters (to prevent possible fire)

STC Closed for Hurricane Alex.

Due to anticipated severe weather in Hidalgo and Starr counties, South Texas College will be closing at 10 p.m. CST on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 to allow students, faculty and staff to make personal preparations. All classes, operations, meetings and other services will be cancelled, as well as Internet operations and Web-based classes. The college will reopen at 7 a.m. CST on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. For updated information call STC’s information line at 956-872-8311 or 1-800-742-7822.
 
We also ask that you please update your emergency contact information with the college so that you can receive updates regarding our status during this weather event. Our mass notification system allows the college to send you updates directly to your personal e-mail, home phone number and cell phone number. To update your information log on tohttp://alert.southtexascollege.edu/. 
 
Stay tuned to your local television and radio stations for additional information on the status of STC’s class schedule and information on local storm shelters and preparedness information.