Emergency Officials Ponder Evacuation

     Texas Governor Rick Perry has issued a disaster declaration for 61 Texas counties including those in Southeast Texas because of the threat posed by Gustav. The decision allows the state to move resources into places that might need them, including up to five thousand guardsmen as well as planes and helicopters. A task force is on standby for search and rescue operations. State troopers are ready to inspect buses that may be used if an evacuation is called.

     All of this is an effort to be prepared. Southeast Texas emergency officials are in constant communication with the state. Jefferson County's emergency planners are taking part in regular conference calls.

     Jefferson County Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator, Mike White, says the county will be calling for assets. It needs planes, buses, water and emergency supplies. A meeting with county department heads is scheduled for Friday morning to discuss tentative plans to decide whether an evacuation will be called.

     "We're treating this like the real deal. We're getting ready just in case," said Mike White.