Hays County and City of San Marcos Emergency Operations Center, San Marcos, TX – Recap of 2 p.m. 27 May 2015 Press Conference
Hays County and City of San Marcos Emergency Operations Center, San Marcos, TX – Recap of 2 p.m. 27 May 2015 Press Conference
From EMC Kenneth Bell:
New Information on Missing and Deceased
City of San Marcos and Hays County officials made two new announcements in the search and recovery efforts related to the Hays County flood. Officials have identified Jose Alvero Arteaga-Pichardo a 29-year-old Hispanic man. Arteaga-Pichardo body was found in the area of Loop 165 in Wimberley yesterday afternoon.
Police also identified a woman’s body found yesterday morning in Caldwell County as Michelle Marie Carey-Charba.
The third fatality, a body found in found in San Marcos on Sunday will require DNA testing to confirm the identity.
This brings the current total of missing people to 9.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz addressed the media regarding the tragedy. The Senator toured the Wimberley and San Marcos damage areas just before the press conference. He says he is saddened by the devastation he has seen, but proud of the community spirit Texas residents showed.
Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, Mayor Daniel Guerrero and City of San Marcos City Council Members Jude Prather and Shane Scott also expressed thanks to all of the people who have reached out with support and assistance to Hays County and the City of San Marcos.
City of San Marcos Emergency Management Director Ken Bell addressed some important community issues in regard to debris, donations and assistance. The information is listed below and available on the City and County websites and social media sites.
Debris Removal
Hays County is in the process of arranging debris removal, but wants to ensure that all large piles of debris in the unincorporated areas have been thoroughly searched before being removed or burned. In the meantime fees are being waived for citizens who bring storm debris to either County transfer station. Large containers have been placed strategically around the hardest hit areas for use by residents and the County is beginning to pick up debris left by the roadside by homeowners.
The City of San Marcos has plans in place to remove trash and debris from our neighborhoods as quickly as possible. Here are some tips on getting rid of trash and debris safely and quickly.
We are asking residents to sort trash/debris into several piles.
1.) Building materials like sheetrock, wood and insulation should be bagged together put at the curb with other trash.
2.) Household hazardous waste should also be separated from debris and trash. Crews will travel the city daily to pick-up household hazardous waste.
3.) Large appliances and metal should be placed separately as well. The City’s contractor, Green Guy Recycling, will pick these up. Proceeds from recycling will be donated to the American Red Cross.
4.) Regular trash and recycling will be picked up on regular collection days. Once the City and its contractors have tackled the larger job of debris and hazardous waste removal we will work toward replacing lost and damaged containers. **As a precaution recyclable materials in flooded areas will not be recycled, but will be included with regular trash disposal.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Centers are open San Marcos and Wimberley
Wimberley Volunteer Reception Service,
Cypress Creek Church, 211 Stillwater, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
SM Volunteer Center (512.753.2320)
San Marcos Plaza Park, 206 C.M. Allen Parkway, 8 a.m. – 5 pm
Coordinated by City of San Marcos, Hays County, and AmeriCorps
Distribution Pods will soon be set up in San Marcos and Wimberley to supply clothing and other supplies to affected persons. Those are expected to be in operation by Friday.
The City and County have hundreds of people and organizations actively volunteering—we ask them to coordinate through our Volunteer Reception Centers so that their efforts may be as effective as possible. City, County and AmeriCorps are coordinating volunteers and organizations.
Shelter Update
City of San Marcos Shelter at the Activity Center is still open and housing 53 displaced individuals. Deer Creek Nursing Center in Wimberley has offered to house evacuees.
Call Center
A Call Center has been set up in San Marcos for disaster-related questions at 512-754-2275
Additional Information:
servesanmarcos.com