Saturday Flood Damage Assistance Update

The following is the latest release from the City of Austin and the Emergency Operations Center Joint Information Center. The work goes on, and volunteers are still needed, and can register to volunteer at www.handsoncentraltexas.org.

"City of Austin, Travis County and agency representatives continue to staff the Emergency Operations Center and will continue to do so through the weekend with a focus on re-entry and recovery.

“The Flood Assistance Center (5801 Ainez Drive) hours will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. The hours of operation at the Flood Assistance Center will be 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. beginning Monday, Nov. 11.

"• Affected residents with questions about services provided at the Flood Assistance Center are still encouraged to call 3-1-1.

"• City of Austin departmental personnel available at the Flood Assistance Center include: Watershed Protection staff assigned to answer questions about the buyout program, Code Compliance Inspectors assigned to the area and Planning & Development Review personnel to answer questions about permits.

“City crews are working through the weekend to remove storm debris and trash. About 2,000 tons of debris have been removed by City crews so far. Residents should leave debris at the curb for disposal.

“An estimated 400 hundred volunteers worked in the flood affected areas to help with clean-upon Saturday. Volunteers are encouraged to minimize vehicle traffic and to maintain a clear path on roadways for equipment and clean up crews. Volunteers can register to volunteer at www.handsoncentraltexas.org.

“Staff from the regional Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) office continued visiting the flooded area today to make an initial determination as to whether the City’s request for assistance meets the qualifying criteria.

“Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services continues to provide services and referrals to local organizations for basic needs, housing services, food resources and flood assistance. Austin/Travis County Integral Care has a hotline as an additional support 512-472-HELP (4357).

“Red Cross reports that 38 people stayed at the shelter last night. Red Cross provided 11,685 meals and snacks through yesterday with 9 vehicles providing mobile feeding. Volunteers have clocked an estimated 26,352 hours."