Nursing Homes Prepared to Evacuate Patients if Necessary

Emergency planners with the State of Texas say if you or a loved one need transportation to evacuate in the event of a storm, and haven't registered with the 2-1-1 system, now is the time to do so.

2-1-1 is for people without family or friends, without vehicles, or those with special medical needs who can't leave on their own.

Nursing homes also have plans to help their patients evacuate.

He's been married for 73 years, and Patrick Sapaurx still values every moment he spends with his wife, Francis.

He visits her every day at the College Street Health Care Center. Patrick appreciates the staff's dedication to patients, especially to

Francis.

"These are wonderful people, these nursing homes," said Patrick Sapaurx.

As Gustav approaches the Gulf of Mexico, Sapaurx say's he's not worried about the health and safety of his wife.

"I don't have any concerns.  I don't worry about nothing, I really don't," said Sapaurx.

 Sapaurx knows the center has a plan.

"I know they're gonna be okay because they really take care of everybody first class," said Sapaurx.

The College Street Health Care Center has had an evacuation in place since the beginning of hurricane season.

"Our goal here is to take care of them, no matter where we are," said Adam Revia.

And Revia says unlike some nursing homes, his had no problem evacuating patients during Rita.

Ten thousand people with medical needs ended up at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport, waiting for the military to fly them out

of the area.  Revia assures residents and their relatives, including Patrick, College Street Health Care Center will take care of its

patients, whether they have to evacuate because of Gustov or any other storm during hurricane season.