Planning ahead essential for vulnerable populations

As hurricane season arrives, Jeff Johnston has one message for Rio Grande Valley residents.

"Plan ahead," Johnston said. "That's really the best advice that I can offer. Have a plan."

As the director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for the city of Brownsville, Johnston delivers the same advice year after year. Individuals must make evacuation plans for themselves and prepare personal supplies including clothing, water, food, and medication, for at least three days.

When it comes to the Valley's most vulnerable populations, he says that foresight is all the more essential. Children, elderly, and special needs groups cannot necessarily make such decisions independently. They need the support of adults and city officials to include them in their plans.

"Children are in many ways more vulnerable," Johnston said. "Parents need to make plans and disaster supply kits for them. The same applies with the elderly. If you have an elderly relative, if you know someone in assisted living, or have an elderly neighbor who needs help, you need to check with them ahead of time to see how they plan to evacuate."

He also recommends bringing 10 days worth of prescription medications or supplies like diapers, formula, contact lenses, dietary supplements, and assistive equipment like wheelchairs. Copies of important prescriptions would also be helpful to have on hand.

If there you know of someone who will need evacuation assistance, but you are unable to assist them yourself, Johnston advises calling 2-1-1, to register with the state of Texas evacuation list.

By calling 2-1-1, residents can ensure a space on an evacuation bus and a place at a shelter.

This year, another vulnerable population has been added to Johnston's list of concerns: those who can't afford the rising cost of fuel.

If residents do have access to a vehicle and can afford the cost of gas, Johnston says that such an evacuation would afford residents more control over their final destination and the length of their time away from home.

"If you have relatives in Alice or San Antonio, and you want to stay with them, you can do that with a car," Johnston said. "If you take a bus, you might have to go earlier. You also may not have a choice as to where you go."

Johnston said that he anticipates a greater number of names on the state's evacuation list, since basic evacuation could cost hundreds of dollars that residents simply don't have to spare.