The San Antonio Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management are encouraging South Texas residents to stay up to date on Tropical Storm Harvey by downloading the "Ready South Texas" app.
It delivers flood advisories and warnings to any smart device and features instant access to evacuation maps, emergency shelters, and special services.
"Ready South Texas" also addresses various emergency situations through integrated eGuides, including flooding, disaster recovery, and responses to an active shooter situation, incidents of terrorism, or a public health epidemic.
The app is available as a free download on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Pack Up With A Disaster Supply Kit
Given the severe weekend weather expected, the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management is also suggesting that residents prepare a Disaster Supply Kit, containing:
- A gallon of water per day per person
- At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- A battery-powered radio to monitor emergency alerts
- A flashlight, First Aid Kit, and extra batteries
- A whistle to call for help
- A dust mask to filter contaminated air
- Moist towelettes, plastic garbage bags and bag ties
- A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- A manual can opener for canned food
- Local maps
- A fully charged cell phone battery, plus a backup
Pet Evacuations Underway
As many as 30 dogs are being evacuated at the Everyday Adoption Center at the PetSmart in Windcrest. The adoption center is San Antonio Pets Alive's largest, but the location is vulnerable if flooding occurs once tropical storm Harvey's rains reach the city.
Animals must be out of the city by 7 p.m. this evening, and SAPA is urgently requesting foster homes to put them in until next Tuesday when it will likely be safe to return.
Further complicating the matter are animals that may be displaced around the city due to flooding this weekend.
SAPA is looking for foster homes, plus donations of gallons of water which can be dropped off at their medical clinic at 9107 Marbach Road.
Tune into Texas Public Radio and visit tpr.org for the latest developments on tropical storm Harvey.