Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 22, 2005

Collin County prepares for Hurricane Rita, emergency officials ask residents to do the same

(McKinney, TX) – Collin County emergency personnel are preparing for Hurricane Rita. Residents are also asked to plan ahead.

Currently, most hotels in Collin County are booked with Hurricane Katrina evacuees. So, Collin County officials are making preparations for the possible sheltering of Hurricane Rita evacuees. Fourteen people from the Galveston area, who were stranded in McKinney, are already utilizing the county shelter. The county will await word from the state if continued or expanded sheltering operations are necessary.

“The means of travel may be different for Hurricane Rita evacuees than it was for Hurricane Katrina evacuees,” describes Collin County Homeland Security Director Kelley Stone, who serves as the county emergency coordinator. “During Hurricane Katrina, most evacuees we received into our shelters came here by bus. This time, most southeastern Texas residents will be entering North Texas by car.”

County emergency officials are also monitoring any possible weather patterns that might have a direct affect on Collin County residents. In an effort to be prepared, residents are asked to take a few precautions such as making certain they have a good supply of food, water, flashlights and batteries. Residents are also encouraged to remove lawn furniture that is not bolted to the ground because strong winds could potentially use them as missiles. Contractors are asked to make certain their job sites are secure by clearing the work area of all boards and debris.

If the need arises, Collin County will institute Reverse 911 calling and establish a hotline number for residents with questions regarding sheltering or storm activity.

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