Hurricane Harvey continues to strengthen in the western Gulf of Mexico and is expected to land as the nation’s first Category 3 landfall in almost 12 years.
Weather.com predicts the storm to make landfall tonight or Saturday morning in the Texas Gulf Coast. Harvey will then stall or meander for several days, leading to a threat of catastrophic flooding in parts of Texas. Dangerous storm-surge flooding and damaging winds are also threats.
The Gulf Coast has received thousands of helping hands from other states after the impacts of hurricanes from Camille to Katrina. Now, it’s our turn to unite together and extend our resources to help the people of Texas and Louisiana.
The city of Gautier has already gathered a crew that will be heading out to Texas to help with recovery, clean up and repair efforts after the storm makes landfall. If you would like to make a donation of supplies, (bottled water, canned goods, hygiene supplies, but NOT CLOTHES), then you may drop off at 1512 Highway 90 Gautier, Mississippi. The crew is currently unsure of when they will depart for Texas, so you still have time to drop off some supplies.
In regards to our local organizations, The American Red Cross of Pascagoula is arranging to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey as well. “We’re in the middle of mobilizing and have over 100 volunteers on standby”, says Tamica Smith Jeuitt, Regional Director of Communications and Marketing Manager.
The organization is currently on standby mode to see what specific areas Harvey will impact, but will be working closely with their emergency management partners to monitor every step of the way. “We’re refreshing training, fueling trucks, changing tires-preparing all that we can, so we’re ready to go when they call”.
When asked how the people of Jackson County can help, Jeuitt suggested donating monetary funds to the organization and becoming certified to volunteer for future natural disasters. The American Red Cross of Pascagoula works with multiple, local and state-wide vendors and agencies to ensure there is plenty of food and means of shelter to provide for people, but they are “always in a constant replenish mode”, says Jeuitt.
There will be a disaster cycle service, ‘Just In Time- Shelter Training’, session held tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations in Tupelo, Gulfport, Flowood, Laurel and Hattiesburg. Visit their training and certification page on the website for more details.
You can make a $10 donation to help those affected from Hurricane Harvey by: texting ‘Harvey’ to 90999, visiting their website at redcross.org or calling the Pascagoula location at 228-762-2455.
