Rep. Edwards' legislation addresses Hurricane Ike committee recommendations

On Wednesday, February 11, The House Select Committee on Hurricane Ike, chaired by State Representative Sylvester Turner, released a report consisting of recommendations in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Among the many key recommendations is the requirement of back-up power capability at gas stations and at facilities that provide live-in care for the ill, elderly and special needs populations.

State Representative Al Edwards has filed bills HB 441 & HB 443 which addresses some these concerns by requiring gas stations and nursing homes to have generators on site for emergency power in the event of a natural disaster.

The far-reaching recommendations also cite the need for better communication and coordination between authorities and residents in the aftermath of natural disasters. Separate legislation filed by Rep Al Edwards would attempt to solve the dilemma by creating optional volunteer emergency response teams in each legislative district with the intent to enhance cooperation between authorities and residents on the ground. The bill would direct newly created emergency response teams to help coordinate relief aid efforts to local residents of affected areas in dire need of assistance.

The local emergency response teams would develop plans utilizing FEMA-guidelines that establish medical emergency staging sites to treat life-threatening illnesses and other medical conditions in a safe, convenient local setting. The bill would also establish communication centers in each legislative district to communicate better with residents.

"We were blessed that Hurricane Ike didn't do more damage than it did, but had the hurricane lasted just one hour longer, it would have been very devastating. Since we know more storms will occur in the years to come, we need to prepare today for tomorrow," according to Representative Edwards.