BROWNSVILLE, Texas (August 24, 2017) – At a Press Conference held Thursday, August 24, 2017, Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez announced that he has issued a disaster declaration for the City of Brownsville in preparation for inclement weather due to Hurricane Harvey.

Moreover, he announced Level 2 activation of the City of Brownsville’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) beginning 2 p.m. Thursday, August 24, 2017, to coordinate city services and regional, state and federal partners. The EOC will remain active until further notice.

Sandbagging Information:

The City of Brownsville encourages residents to prepare for Hurricane Harvey now.

In preparation for rainfall, the City of Brownsville is offering free sand and bags for residents until 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2017, at the following locations:

(1) Brownsville Public Library System – Main Library Branch, 2600 Central Boulevard and;

(2) Les Mauldin Road and Emery Watts Street (near the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport).

On Friday, August 25, 2017, the City of Brownsville will offer free sand and bags for residents beginning 7 a.m. until further notice at only one location:

(1)  Les Mauldin Road and Emery Watts Street (near the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport).

Residents are limited to six bags and are required to fill their own bags. In addition, residents are encouraged to bring a shovel.

Residents must present an official Driver License/ID and a Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) Account of Charges prior to obtaining sand and bags.

The City of Brownsville reminds its residents to do their part to prepare for and stay safe during the storm:

•       Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in your home (an interior room, a closet or bathroom on the lower level);

•       If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker;

•       Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water;

•       If a traffic signal is out, stop before proceeding through the intersection;

•       If you notice flooded roadways, debris on the road or sidewalks, or downed trees or electrical wires, please call (956) 546-HELP;

•       If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1; and

•       For additional weather related information please visit the National Weather Service website: http://www.weather.gov.

Residents may connect with the City of Brownsville for the latest information on Hurricane Harvey:

• Visit our Website: www.cob.us
• Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrownsvilleCityHall
• Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BrownsvilleRGV
• Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/CityofBrownsville
• Contact 546-HELP:
  Via Phone: (956) 546-HELP (4357) / Via Email: 546HELP@cob.us / Via Access Brownsville App

City of Brownsville Upcoming Event Notifications:

• CycloBia Brownsville “Back to School” event has been cancelled for Friday, August 25, 2017.
• LUNADA Artisans’ Market event has been cancelled for Saturday, August 26, 2017.

# # #