The overview
According to a news release, first responders from Bexar County Emergency Services Districts 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11 and 12 have been mobilized to the Hill Country, bringing ambulances, rescue teams, drones and boats equipped with trained Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.
“Crews stand ready to assist in ongoing search, rescue, and recovery efforts to help safeguard lives and support neighboring communities in need,” Bexar County Emergency Services Districts Association president Kevin Clarkson said.
In their own words
During the July 8 Bexar County Commissioners Court meeting, county officials said the county is accepting donations and gift cards for flood victims.
“We are pleading to our employees, county partners, media and public to utilize us as your drop off hub,” Lucy Adame-Clark, Bexar County Clerk, said. “All my 15 departments, off sites, mobile unit locations will be taking donations, gift cards for those affected, as all county partners will be doing the same. Remember, we are all the family. We are Texas strong. We are Bexar County strong, and together, we can make a huge difference and a big impact in helping these families.”
Drop-off locations:
- 15 county departments
- Tax assessor Collector’s five locations
- District 7 Fire and Rescue Team Stations 115 and 116
Precinct 3 Commissioner Grant Moody said Bexar County’s response since the tragedy has been robust and that the county will spare no resources in providing support to affected counties.
“I had a chance to go up to Kerr County and Kerrville on Sunday, as the judge mentioned, we have Bexar County Sheriff's deputies, their aviation team with drones, that were assisting in the search and recovery operations. We have emergency services districts that are out there on the ground assisting as well the Emergency Management Office were out there working hard, making sure that Kerr County and those affected had the resources they needed,” Moody said. “When a tragedy like this strikes, time is of the essence. And I think our community and our first responders were all in from day one,” Moody said.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert praised county residents' desire to assist nearby communities and highlighted the swiftness of Judge Peter Sakai’s leadership when it came rallying resources to assist with rescue operations.
“We are a community that has often served as a big brother for our neighboring, smaller counties, and we're going to have to do that going forward,” Calvert said. “There's a lot that we're needed for. This is obviously going to be a very long recovery with the amount of devastation that has taken place. And I'm grateful for the heart of so many San Antonio citizens of mine who have reached out asking how they can help. I thank you judge for laying out this plan for people to contribute as well.”
What else?
Volunteers have also assembled donated supplies into First Responder and Children’s Comfort Kits in the wake of the Hill Country floods.
Those wishing to donate can drop supplies off at The Ecumenical Center, 8310 Ewing Halsell Drive, San Antonio, between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 8.
Supplies still needed:
- New socks and t-shirts for first responders
- Small first aid kits
- Toothbrush and toothpaste kits
- Travel-size deodorant, hand wipes and shampoo
- Small packs of tissues
- Small cans of bug spray
- Small stuffed animals and comfort toys for children
- Kid friendly snacks like gummy chews, Rice Krispie Treats and squeezable apple sauce
- Small stuffed animals and comfort toys for children
For more information, residents can call 210-616-0885 or 210-364-1459 after hours.
