For any questions about resources or loved ones, residents should call 512-754-2275.
Utility Numbers For Public
The area is still experiencing cable, telephone and internet service outages by some providers.
SMEU: 512.393.8313
PEC: 888.883.3379
Bluebonnet: 800.842.7708
Centerpoint Energy: 800.427.7142
Maxwell Water Supply: 512.357.6253
Crystal Clear: 830.372.1031
The City of San Marcos and Hays County have plans in place to help those who have lost pet, those who have found stray animals and people who have located deceased animals and livestock. In order to most efficiently serve the community, reunite flood victims with their pets, and ensure the health and safety of the community we ask that residents report these issues to the City of San Marcos and Hays County Hotline at 512-754-2275.
LOST PETS OR LIVESTOCK
Those who have lost a pet or livestock should call the hotline and report the following information:
• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email
• Type of pet or livestock
• Pet’s name
• Where the animal was last seen
• Description and color
• Markings or tags
• Microchip information
• Vet information
• A photo may be requested
FOUND PETS
Those who you have found pets are asked not to keep the animal. Officials are working to reunite pets with their owners. Please take the pets to one of the following locations:
Animals found in the San Marcos area should be relocated to:
San Marcos Animal Shelter
750 River Rd, San Marcos
Animals found in Wimberley should be relocated:
Wimberley High School
100 Carney, Wimberley
*These animals will be turned over to animal control and taken to the San Marcos Animal Shelter for safekeeping until they can be reunited with their owners.
DECEASED ANIMALS
Please report deceased animals and livestock to 512-393-8280 and provide the following:
• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email
• Type of deceased or livestock
• Specific area or address the animal is located
Despite flooding in the area, the animal shelter and animals were not affected by the flood.
The animal shelter is requesting the following donations: hand sanitizers, dish soap, laundry detergent, cat food, dog food (Diamond Maintenance Dog food), ferret food, crates, dog leashes and cat litter (Equine Pelletized bedding).
Anyone displaced in need of temporary housing for their pet can contact the animal shelter. If they do not answer, leave a message as they shelter is very busy fielding calls.
Any animal coming into the shelter from the date of the flood until now
(5/24/2015 –until further notice) will not be subject to reclaim fees, or fees for rabies vaccinations.
The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter will also be offering free microchipping to the animals being reclaimed at this time.
El Buen Pastor (206 E. LBJ Dr., San Marcos) will be serving free meals through Saturday, May 30th. Facility is open 10am-6pm. 512-392-7878
Crisis Bread Basket (14092 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley) is offering food to flood victims through Sunday, May 31st. 512-847-5323.
San Marcos BBQ is serving free dinner on Barbara Drive at 5pm Thursday, May 28th
will be distributing water, bread, and nonperishables Friday, May 29th 12pm-2pm at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Martindale (312 Co Rd 259 Martindale, TX)
Contaminated Food
Use gloves and dispose of any contaminated food or leftover food.
San Marcos Activity Center (501 E Hopkins) is open as a shelter site until Sunday, May 31st at 5pm. **People staying at the Activity Center are encouraged to visit the Flood Victim Resource Center at 8am on Sunday, May 31st (St. John’s Catholic Church (624 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666) housing solutions.**
Those in Hays County, outside of San Marcos, can call 512-393-7725 for those who need shelter outside San Marcos.
Texas State Student Housing: Check in at Bobcat Village for housing needs and visit the official site for updates
Wimberley – Deer Creek Nursing Homes 555 FM 3237. 512-847-5540
Driftwood – John Besser. 512-336-8388
Veterans: Call Hays County Veteran Services for assistance 512-749-7311
The Clinic for Autism Research Evaluation and Support (CARES) at Texas State University in San Marcos is opening to provide respite for families with children with developmental disabilities. Families should call 512-245-7892 or email
rl30@txstate.edu and tell us their needs. Calls will go to a voicemail, but will be returned very quickly.
Visit www.airbnb.com/disaster/central-texas-flooding to get in contact with community members offering free shelter for those in need.
City of San Marcos and Hays County Donation Center:
Springtown Donation Center (200 Springtown Way, Suite 150)
8am-5pm (including Saturday and Sunday)
Items Needed: MOPS, BROOMS, BUCKETS with LIDS, FACE MASKS, rubber boots, Work gloves, large squeegees with mop handles, sun screen, need lots of cleaning supplies, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, hand wash, laundry detergent, floor cleaner, disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, pet food.
This location is only accepting new supplies only at this time. To donate, go to the loading dock at the back of the building and do not unload until you speak to an attendant on duty.
Martindale Donation Center:
Martindale City Hall (409 Main St, Martindale)
Friday, May 29 9am-5pm Saturday 8-9am
Items needed:
Mops, Buckets, Bleach or bleach spray, gloves, masks, paper towels, trashbags, bottled water, bug spray, hand sanitizer, fans
If you are a flood victim in need, visit sanmarcostx.gov/smtxfloodservices
Please do not drop donations at any location without speaking to an attendant on duty first.
First United Methodist Church (129 W. Hutchison St.) Please NO ADULT clothes. Currently accepting kids clothes: shirts, shoes, pants, shorts, jackets, NEW UNDERWEAR AND NEW SOCKS etc. We need boys and girls items from newborn to high school. Gently used are great, but please provide NEW underwear and socks.
El Buen Pastor (209 E. Grove St.) – Food and supplies Saturday May 30th from 10-4
Rattler’s Closet (501 S. LBJ Drive) new socks, new shoes, new underwear, diapers, gift cards, food and baby wipes can be taken to Central Office to the attention of Georganne Logue for San Marcos CISD students.
Travis Elementary (1437 Post Road) – accepting Bleach, Laundry soap, Cleaning supplies, Toys, New socks & underwear
Greater San Marcos Youth Council Family Preservation Program offers clothing and shoes to those in need. Call 512-754-0500. Apply by phone requests only. Do not visit facility.
Phoenix Fitness (400 CM Allen Parkway)
Metroflex Gym (1942 IH 35 South, Suite 104) – accepting cleaning supplies, towels, storage containers, baskets, socks, men’s shoes, diapers
Barefoot San Marcos (300 N. LBJ Dr.) – accepting laundry detergent, canned meals, linens and blankets
San Marvelous (326 N LBJ Dr.) – accepting Water Bottles, Canned Food, Towels, Blankets to be delivered to Southside Community Center
Central Texas LifeCare (115 Warden Ln) has formula and diapers m-th fri 9-3pm. Please call ahead and let them know before you come (512) 396-3020. This facility operates Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
Southside Community Center (518 S Guadalupe St). This facility is in need of towels, blankets and pillows
St. Johns Catholic Church (624 E. Hopkins St.)
Schlitterbahn (381 East Austin street, New Braunfels). The corporate office is accepting water, food, cleaning supplies.
Hays County Food Bank is accepting non-perishable food items (220 Herndon St). Check their Facebook page for current list of food Items needed.
Dianne Flack Furniture (2609 South IH 35) is accepting gently used furniture and bedding. First come first serve basis. Hours are 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 – 6pm Sunday, closed Monday.
Fundraisers will be listed here as they are known:
Triple Crown (206 N Edward Gary St) – May 28-30th shows will be to benefit locals
Band Together TX – The Marc (120 E. San Antonio) is planning a #BandTogether benefit for June 7th
www.bandtogethertx.com
River City Sportswear
United Way of Hays County: To make a donation directly to the Flood Disaster Recovery Fund, text FLOODS to 41444 or give at
www.unitedwayhaysco.org/give
Redcross.org – 800-733-2767 financial donations and cleanup assistance
First United Methodist Church of San Marcos – Currently prioritizing children’s clothes and children’s household needs, as well as long-term flood recovery need with funds donated http://give.fumcsm.org/
Residents in the City of San Marcos are safe to drink water. Those on private wells and customers of Crystal Clear Water Supply are on boil alert. If you are on a private well and need your water tested, individuals can call the Edwards Aquifer Research and Data Center in the Aquatic Biology building, on Sessoms Drive, across from Salt Grass Steak House in San Marcos. They can obtain a sample container and directions to sample. They will bring their sample back with the appropriate fee and the sample will be tested for coliform within 24-48 hours. The phone number is 512-245-2329.
Floods create the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The City of San Marcos is working to eliminate the increased numbers of mosquitos in the area. The City’s environmental health department will be conducting early morning and late evening spraying to kill adult mosquitos in areas impacted by floodwaters (as weather permits). The City is also treating large bodies of standing water where larva are present. If there is a mosquito problem in your area please contact the City’s Environmental Health Department at 512-393-8440.
Residents can also help FIGHT THE BITE by doing the following:
DEFEND- Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside. Approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the instructions on the label.
DRAIN- Regularly drain standing water, including water that collects in empty cans, tires, buckets, clogged rain gutters and saucers under potted plants. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
DRESS- Wear long sleeves and pants.
DUSK and DAWN – Try to stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
STAYING HEALTHY
A flood can cause physical hazards and emotional stress. You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.
Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewer systems are serious health hazards.
Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwaters can contain sewage and chemicals.
Rest often and eat well.
Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.
Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact Red Cross for information on emotional support available in your area.
For more info, visit
http://www.ready.gov/floods Your home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down in some areas, many dangers still exist. Here are some things to remember in the days ahead:
Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert informed advice as soon as available.
Avoid moving water.
Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization.
Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.
If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded.
Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it’s also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
Tetanus Vaccinations
Hays County is provided funding for free tetanus vaccinations in the area. Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) will administer these vaccinations to the cleanup volunteers and victims of the recent San Marcos and Wimberley-area floods beginning Wednesday May 27, at 9 a.m. at the following locations:
San Marcos Activity Center: 501 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666 until May 29th at 4pm
Live Oak Health Partners in Wimberley: 201 FM 3237 suite 111, Wimberley, TX 78676. Available until May 29th at 5pm.
Live Oak Health Partners Walk-In Care: 1941 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666 (just north of Wonder World Dr.) Available until the facility runs out. Facility is open 9am-9pm.
No appointment is necessary; however, recipients will be prioritized according to need.
Safe Road Routes – The traffic from San Marcos to Wimberley has increased dramatically. The bridge at the Blanco River has been closed to one lane, alternating traffic flow, with a timed light. This has caused incredible delays into and out of Wimberley. Please use alternative routes to the affected areas. The following are suggestions:
From the Kyle/Buda area:
• IH 35 to FM 150 West
• 150 W to FM 3237
• FM 3237 to RR 12
From the Austin/Dripping Springs area:
• Hwy 290 West into Dripping Springs
• Hwy 290 to RR 12 to Wimberley
Emergency Notification System (Reverse 911) – Register on their site
There is no curfew in the City of San Marcos at this time. There is a curfew in the Wimberley area from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. for the following roads until further notice (residents will be allowed through): Fischer Store Road, Flite Acres Road, Deer Crossing, River Road and Haschke Road.
Cleaning Up and Repairing Your Home
Click here for info regarding floods provided by Texas Extension Disaster Education Network
For safety info regarding debris and Home Clean up and Repair, visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/smtxfloodhomes
Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community. That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on.
Get a copy of the book Repairing Your Flooded Home (737KB PDF) which is available free from the American Red Cross or your state or local emergency manager. It will tell you:
- How to enter your home safely.
- How to protect your home and belongings from further damage.
- How to record damage to support insurance claims and requests for assistance.
- How to check for gas or water leaks and how to have service restored.
- How to clean up appliances, furniture, floors and other belongs.
The Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies.
Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
Listen to your radio for information on assistance that may be provided by the state or federal government or other organizations.
If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, check references and be sure they are qualified to do the job. Be wary of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help in cleaning up or repairing your home.
Debris and Trash Information
***Officials are asking landowners not to burn brush piles until they have been searched by recovery crews, with the exception of brush piles created by landowners. (If the river piled it, don’t burn it. If you created the pile, you may burn it.)***
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.
Bulk Pickup
Normally, bulky pickups occur on the 1st Monday week and the 3rd Monday week. The City has moved bulky pickups to June 8-12th and June 22-26th for June only.
Mold Remediation: www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html or www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm
THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FR YOUR TREES AND RIVER BANK IS TO LEAVE THEM ALONE. Remove only those items that are a safety hazard. Some trees may recover in the right conditions. You’ll save a lot of time and money while helping the recovery of vegetation and the river.
MINIMIZE THE USE OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT AROUND TREES AND ESPECIALLY ALONG YOUR RIVER BANK. The weight of equipment will compact saturated soil and tree roots beneath the surface, making it more difficult for the trees and the river bank to recover. Trees have a huge root area, extending 23 times the length of branches or canopy. If you must use heavy equipment around trees, protect the area with 68”of mulch, topped with plywood if possible.
LEAVE DAMAGED TREES AND WOODY DEBRIS IN PLACE ALONG THE RIVER BANK unless they pose a safety or structural threat. For now, do not burn debris, saw it up, or remove it. The wood helps to stabilize banks and slow water, and new plants will establish themselves in the debris piles. Even damaged trees will help hold the soil in place. This is nature’s way to hasten recovery.
More information for our area will be available soon from the Texas Forest Service as well as next steps to take.
The broken and uprooted cypress can actually be a good thing for the future health and stability of the river
Leave large and small woody debris in place. Do not burn it or remove it or saw it up in small pieces. The wood helps to dissipate energy, and stabilize banks, channel and floodplain.
These debris piles is where new plants will establish best. This is nature’s way to hasten recovery.
Minimize or eliminate tractors and large equipment unless absolutely necessary.
Do not attempt to hire contractors to repair banks, remove gravel, or alter the channel.
Be patient – natural recovery processes are very effective when allowed to work.
Change our attitude about what is a beautiful riparian area – they are not supposed to look clean and manicured but rather thick with wood and vegetation.
Take photos now and every 6 – 12 months – repeat photos at fixed point photos to show the recovery process. This will be very meaningful in the future.
More articles available at After the Storm – Tree and River Recovery and Treeage Article
The aftermath of a major disaster is a breeding ground for rumors, bad information and—unfortunately—scams. The City will debunk rumors and scams as they appear and post the information below.
Please report any suspicious activity to the City of San Marcos police-non emergency line at 512.753.2108.
The City has established a hotline for all flood-related questions at 512.754.2275.
There are rumors that gift cards are being given to flood victims @ the San Marcos Activity Center. THIS IS NOT TRUE!
There have been reports of fake insurance adjusters visiting homes affected by flooding. Be aware and check credentials. Research and only use trusted contractors.
The volunteer center was moved to central location by the City of San Marcos and had nothing to do with businesses located in the shopping center on Bugg Ln.
Please wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing and bring masks, work gloves, mops, rakes and light cleaning supplies.
People who are not cleaning-up or volunteering should avoid impacted areas.
Martindale Baptist Church (12351 Hwy 142, Martindale TX). A volunteer reception center is being opened Saturday, May 30th 8am-2pm Visit this site for more info