It’s that time of the year already, hurricane season, and right away the Valley gets to welcome in the first hurricane. Maybe we will be lucky and it will be the last one, but that’s not what “those in the know” tell us. As hurricane season approached we should have automatically started stocking up on the supplies we will need. Candles, flashlights and batteries, canned goods, water, medicine, and other needed supplies.

Also if you are a special needs person, and the term “Special needs” can mean anything from medical problems to the problem of not having transportation to evacuate if needed, you should have already called the 211 number and been registered. This is important because there are almost 200,000 special needs citizens in the entire Valley that we have to try and find transportation for in order to get them out of harms way. In addition, those with medical needs we have to find medical facilities that can take care of them. This is why is it so important to prepare and not wait until the last minute because once the winds get up over 45-50 miles per hour, emergency vehicles will not be moving around.

The only authorized shelter in Willacy County if needed will be at the high school gym. Arrangements have been already made that if needed, other school districts will run their regular bus routes and pick up those needing to be in a shelter and transport them to their schools where they can then be bussed to the shelter. So if there is a problem, contact your local schools and law enforcement and they will try to direct you where to go or who to call. Keep in mind, we will not be running around once the storm hits, for safety reasons. Once the storm has passed we will again resume patrols.

This particular storm has the potential for a lot of local flooding, because of the possible abundance of rain that we may receive. Don’t try to drive or walk in high waters, waft until someone can get to you in vehicles capable of driving in such conditions or with a boat. It’s safety first at all times. The emergency command post will be manned 24/7 until the storm passes and it is once again safe to move around. Write down you local law enforcement numbers and call if there is a need. The Raymondville PD number is 689- 2441 and the Sheriffs Office number is 689-5576 or 5577. The dispatchers at each department can relay any information you give them to the command post. You civic leaders have the numbers for the command post as well but we prefer you call the departments first so we don’t tie up all the lines.

Hopefully we won’t have a mandatory evacuation but if it is called, please take enough stuff with you to last for 3-4 days, and don’t forget your medication. Everything and everyone will be documented so we will know where everyone is at all times. Small pets are allowed, but if you have to leave them behind try to make sure they are safe with food and on high ground. We hope this hurricane will not be as dangerous as some can be. If you weren’t prepared for this one make sure you prepare well in advance for the next one, and they is always a next one. Stay safe!