September 12th, 2008
Update on city’s hurricane preparation, response

From the city of San Marcos

• Mayor Susan Narvaiz issued an emergency declaration Wednesday to assist us in making preparations for local storm impacts.
• City of San Marcos has opened a Reception Center at Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins at 10 a.m. Friday—open for 24 hours through weekend. (Staffing by Parks & Rec and Library) This is NOT a shelter, but will provide rest stop, comfort kits, information and directions to shelters in Austin and San Antonio.
• CVB Visitor Center on I-35 and Chamber of Commerce are also assisting evacuees with information.
• Governor Rick Perry has suspended collection of all state and local hotel-motel taxes from the victims of Hurricane Ike for 14 days beginning September 8, 2008.
• City Public Works is providing courtesy patrols to assist stranded motorists.
• Police, Fire and EMS have increased staff and patrols through weekend.
• City Emergency Operation Center will be in monitoring mode through weekend—activated if necessary
• City has set up traffic message boards on Highway 80 and Highway 123 to direct storm evacuees to shelters in San Antonio and Austin
• City Departments are ready to mobilize (City Manager’s Office, Emergency Management, Police, Fire, Public Works, Electric Utility, Water Utility, Parks, Engineering, Planning, Environmental Health, Animal Shelter, Library, Legal, City Clerk, Human Resources, and WIC as needed).

  * San Marcos/ Hays County EMS sent ambulance for shipment to coast –state request