FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Fort Bend County leaders say they're working to support Hurricane Beryl victims who still don't have power.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George said 353,292 customers lost power at the storm's peak and the number was down to approximately 87,168 by noon Thursday.
“I understand our citizens are frustrated, tired and they are struggling without power,” George said at a news conference. “We are working to ensure that our vulnerable populations are receiving the assistance they need. That would include our elderly and handicapped.”
Fort Bend County shelters
- Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg
- Attack Poverty | Friends of North Rosenberg at 1908 Ave. E. in Rosenberg
Fort Bend County cooling centers
- Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg
- Attack Poverty | Friends of North Rosenberg at 1908 Ave. E. in Rosenberg
- River Pointe Church in Richmond
- Creekside Christian Fellowship: 16628 TX-36 in Needville
- Fresno fire station at 1834 W. Sycamore Rd.
- Chapman YMCA on Main St. in Katy
- Missouri City Community Center
- Sugar Land Baptist Church
- Katy Mills Mall
- Mobile cooling center at Merrill Center
- Numerous libraries
George said disaster declarations have been declared on the county and state levels. Storm victims should report damage because that helps determine the amount of federal funding the county will receive.
Debris management will be contracted out and will begin next week, according to George.
They are working on distributing supplies, including food, water and ice, to people in need. The information will be posted on social media Thursday night.
Avoid scams by contractors
Sheriff Eric Fagan warned that scammers come out in droves after a disaster and you should be cautious when hiring someone.
- Vet the company and check their credentials.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau and your local chamber of commerce.
- Be skeptical
- Get references.
- Ask neighbors or friends for recommendations
- Never pay upfront
- Don’t pay with cash
“Scammers, usually when you pay with cash, take the money and then they’re gone, so be careful,” Fagan advised.
The sheriff also said someone pulled a gun on a CenterPoint contractor and violence and abuse will not be tolerated.
More storm updates for Fort Bend County residents
- Residents are reminded that a lot of traffic lights are still out so be careful and obey the rules by treating intersections like a 4-way stop.
- Transit services are limited
Fort Bend County has activated its Point of Distribution (POD) plans and is working to open POD sites to distribute water and ice to residents.
Numerous county facilities have severe damage to infrastructure along with power outages
- Only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies
- Residents are encouraged to call 281-341-4665 for non-emergency needs.
- AT&T and Verizon services have been disrupted by the power outages, and data services will be restored as power is restored.
