PRESS RELEASE

Texas Evacuees Seeking Information: Call 1-888-312-4567 or 1-877-541 7905
Governor's Office of Homeland Security News Update
BATON ROUGE , La. (September 17, 2008) -   Texans who evacuated to other states from areas that were struck by Hurricane Ike are being urged by local officials not to return to their home counties at this time.

Many areas along the Texas coast have been heavily damaged. Power lines are down, many roads remain flooded or blocked by debris. In some areas sewer service is not functioning. When power is out, gas stations cannot operate.

In Texas, local officials are in charge of mandatory evacuations, as well as re-entry decisions. As power is restored and highways are cleared, local jurisdictions will make decisions on allowing residents to return.

2-1-1 Texas is a free service that is currently providing information to hurricane evacuees. 2-1-1 Texas operators can discuss assistance and community services available to Texans. As conditions improve, operators working 24 hours a day, seven days a week will have information about re-entry to local areas.

Texans who are out of state can reach 2-1-1 Texas by dialing: 1-888-312-4567 or 1-877-541 7905.

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