Update from David Abernathy

Search and Rescue Teams are being demobilized today.  The efforts will shift to "recovery" and Department of Defense teams will be in charge of this gruesome task.
 
FEMA is to make a decision very soon (could be this evening) about a direct billing account to be established for motels that are housing evacuees.  I have made contact with a state employee that is sitting next to the FEMA rep and he is to call me as soon at this information is confirmed.
 
I have attached information on hiring evacuees and food bank information. 
 
Shelters in the region are taking volunteer workers.  There will be an orientation process and possibly a background check.  Our nearest occupied shelters are in Longview, Texarkana and Sulphur Springs.
 
PLEASE NOTE:  It is imperative that I be kept in-the-loop on activities associated with anything that might be associated with the relief effort, if it involves, or could involve, the Emergency Management System.  The shelter that has been established at the Emmanuel Baptist Church is in the database as being capable of receiving 50 people.  The State Operations Center and FEMA have this information.  If there is any expectation of recouping costs associated with this effort, I need to have knowledge of it.  I continue to receive information second-hand and third-hand.  I hope you understand that it is difficult to work that way.
 
Officials are worried about another tropical storm striking the Gulf.  If it should come into the Texas coast, some of those evacuees (and/or Texas citizens fleeing) may need to come to our shelter.  Remember, we are just reaching the peak of Hurricane season.
 
Thanks again for your compassion and support.  With the planning and your efforts that have already taken place, Camp County and Pittsburg will be far better off in the event a local disaster should occur.  I am proud of each one of you.
 
-DavidDavid AbernathyFire ChiefCity of PittsburgEmergency Management CoordinatorCamp County / City of Pittsburg903.856.6392 (Administration)903.856.2097 (Direct)903.856.2187 (Fax)