Local Volunteers for Gustav Evacuation Needed

COMMERCE, Texas — Texas A&M University-Commerce has been informed that the City of Commerce Emergency Management Staff and the American Red Cross are seeking volunteers to help with potential evacuees from Hurricane Gustav.

Although Hurricane Gustav has not yet entered the Gulf of Mexico, it is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana and Texas coasts sometime Tuesday morning.

Residents in these areas have already begun to evacuate and make their way inland. Commerce hotels and motels are already reporting reservations from potential evacuees for next week.

The City of Commerce, Hunt County Emergency Management, A&M-Commerce, Commerce Independent School District, and the American Red Cross have already started making plans for temporary shelters.

Volunteers will be needed to man these shelters and those who can help to support these efforts are being asked to attend a training class held by the American Red Cross on Monday, Sept. 1, at 9 a.m. in the American Ballroom at A&M-Commerce. The class could last up to seven hours.

This training will assist volunteers and Emergency Management staff to care for the needs of the potential evacuees.

“The City of Commerce would like to thank you for any assistance that can be given during this time of need,” said Marty Cunningham, public information officer for the City of Commerce.

Fore more information, call 903-886-1139.