UTPA will be closed

TO:                  University Community

FROM:           Office of University Relations

DATE:            June 29, 2010

RE:                 Campus to Close Due to Tropical Storm Alex

The University of Texas-Pan American will officially close the main campus and all of its satellite locations today, Tuesday, June 29, at 10 p.m. after the end of the last scheduled class due to Tropical Storm Alex, which is expected to intensify and become a hurricane. The University will remain closed Wednesday, June 30; Thursday, July 1; and Friday, July 2. UTPA anticipates resuming regular classes and office services Monday, July 5; however, please monitor local TV and radio stations for the latest information on the storm and for any change in University schedules.

You can also visit the main UTPA Web site at www.utpa.edu for further weather and campus alerts. For those who do not have access to the Internet, the Safe Hurricane Preparedness Hotline (956-665-7233) will be available to provide you with the latest information. In addition, the Bronc Alert emergency system will also be used to inform you of any campus updates.

Currently, university crews are sandbagging, boarding up, clearing debris and taking other precautionary measures around campus. If you see something that should be taken indoors or that might be a hazard due to possible strong winds or flooding, please advise Physical Plant at extension 2748 immediately.  Students, faculty and staff are also being asked to secure their workplaces and computers. Please follow the instructions, which can be found in the Hurricane Preparedness Plan Web site at http://www.utpa.edu/hurricane/plan. At this Web site you will find important details to help you prepare your University work area as well as information on how to protect you and your family, your home and your personal belongings. 

Please also be aware that no one will be allowed on the university grounds after UTPA is shut down Tuesday evening  - until the official reopening. Only personnel authorized by their respective division vice president will be permitted on the grounds.

Your safety and that of your family is of utmost concern. If you feel that safety considerations require you to take leave before the end of the work day today, you may take annual leave after you have discussed this with your supervisor, secured your workspace and made sure that your responsibilities for the University are covered.

For more information, call the UTPA Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 956/665-3690 or the Safe Hurricane Preparedness Hotline at 956/665-7233



Must have Hurrican Supplies:

Here are some supplies that should be in your hurricane kit.

• Flashlights and extra bulbs

• Battery-operated lanterns

• Battery-operated radio

• Battery-operated fans

• Extra batteries

• Clock (non-electric)

• Toilet paper

• Matches (waterproof)

• Scissors

• Plastic garbage bags

• Rabbit-ears TV antenna to use when cable goes out

• Fire extinguisher

• Clean change of clothes, rain gear, boots

• Map of the area

• Plastic garbage bags

• Disinfectant or bleach

• First-aid kit

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Duct tape

• Paper plates

• Plastic cups and utensils

• Manual can opener

Food supplies

Store enough nonperishable foods to last a week.

• Bottled water: 2 quarts to 1 gallon per person per day; have extra for mixing powdered drinks

• Ice or dry ice

• Shelf-stable juice and milk boxes

• Canned and powdered milk

• Beverages (powdered or canned, fruit juices, instant coffee, tea)

• Raw vegetables that don't need refrigeration (will last only a few days)

• Ready-to-eat canned vegetables and fruits

• Dried fruits

• Prepared foods (canned soups, beef, spaghetti, tuna, chicken, ham, corned beef hash, packaged pudding)

• Snacks (crackers, cookies, hard candy, unsalted nuts)

• Snack spreads (peanut butter, cheese spreads, jelly)

• Cereals

• Sugar, salt, pepper

• Bread

• Special dietary needs

Baby needs

• Disposable diapers

• Wipes

• Diaper-rash ointment

• Baby medicines

• Extra formula, baby food

Other needs

• Daily medications

• Aspirin or pain relievers

• Vitamins

• Personal hygiene items

• List of phone numbers

• Copy of insurance policy



From the desk of State Rep. Veronica Gonzalez

 

June 28, 2010

 

REP. GONZALES: TIME TO PREPARE, NOT PANIC FOR TROPICAL STORM ALEX

 

Dear Friends:

 

As we watch Tropical Storm Alex enter the Gulf of Mexico, there is no need to panic but it is time to prepare.  The information we have now is Tropical Storm Alex may become a hurricane by early Wednesday, and is expected to make landfall on Wednesday night or early Thursday. The Rio Grande Valley is currently in the storm's projected path.

 

Being prepared is always the best response. Make sure you and your family have supplies, such as food, water, batteries, prescriptions and cash on hand. Fill up your gas tanks and consider an evacuation plan.  Flooding and high winds are a strong possibility, so if you or a relative live in an area susceptible to those conditions, make preparations. Plans for shelters are underway and will be announced shortly. Several cities and county precincts are also issuing sandbags. Here is a list of sandbag locations in District 41:

 

McAllen: Old Civic Center at 10th & Expressway 83; Old Wal-Mart on 23rd and Nolana

Mission: Old Central Fire Station (Madero)

Alton: Fire Department & Public Works Department at 205 N. Main

Palmhurst: Faith Baptist Church, 4301 North Shary Rd.

 

Proof of residency may be required.

 

While the threat of severe weather is always concerning, your state, county and local officials are being proactive and have plans in place to minimize Tropical Storm Alex's impact. Stay tuned to local media outlets for up-to-date information. You can also register for text message alerts through the E-Dalgo Emergency Alerts System. Standard text messaging rates apply. Sign up at http://www.co.hidalgo.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=951. As always, please feel free to call my office at (956) 686-5501 if you have any questions or need further assistance.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Veronica Gonzales



Hot Dog Eating Contest and Karaoke Contest at Archer Park

A hot dog eating contest and karaoke contest are just some of the new and exciting events scheduled as part of this year's Independence Day festivities slated for Saturday, July 3rd, at Archer Park.

Registration for the hot dog eating contest will get underway at 9:00 am at the Archer Park gazebo. Space is limited so participants are encouraged to sign up early. Wienerschnitzel will provide prizes to the fastest three competitors to finish 13 hot dogs. The competition officially kicks off at 11:30 am, after the conclusion of the "Freedom: An American Treasure" Parade presented by Shell Exploration and Production and a performance by Deborah Case Dance Academy.

Registration for the karaoke contest will get underway at 11:00 am at the same location. The first 15 participants to sign-up will compete for two roundtrip tickets to Orlando, FL courtesy of Allegiant Airlines. The karaoke contest officially kicks off at the Gazebo at 12:00 p.m. Competitors will get to choose from music provided by the DJ on-site.

For official rules for both contests, please contact the McAllen Parks & Recreation Department at 681-3333. The 82nd Annual Independence Day Celebration presented by Holanda Fruttare is sponsored by Allegiant Airlines, H-E-B and IBC Bank.

Hot Dog Eating Contest Flyer [PDF]

Karaoke Contest Flyer [PDF]

NWS Issues Hurricane Watch for Rio Grande Valley

The National Weather Service in Brownsville has issued a Hurricane Watch for deep south Texas in anticipation of Tropical Storm Alex intensifying in the southwest Gulf of Mexico.

In a 10 am briefing, a spokesperson for the Weather Service predicted a landstrike between Matamoros, Tamaulipas and Baffin Bay, Texas arriving Wednesday or early Thursday as Category 2 hurricane.

Local residents are advised to start preparing for tropical force winds and heavy rain.

Sandbags are being distributed until midnight Monday and Tuesday at the Old Walmart (Nolana & 23rd Street) and at the old Civic Center (10th Street and Expressway 83 westbound frontage road), in McAllen.Residents can pick up 6 sandbags by providing proof of residency such as a utlity bill. Bags and shovels will be provided by the City of McAllen.

Stay tuned to your local weather forecasts and look for information updates on MCN and the City of McAllen's Facebook and Twitter.

Sand bag Distribution Locations:

Old Wal-Mart - 23rd and Nolana

Civic Center - Expressway 83 and 10th Street