With nearly 90,000 customers in the county still without power, multiple shelters and cooling centers are available, including the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds.
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Fort Bend County leaders say they are working to provide support to Hurricane Beryl victims who are still without power.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George said 353,292 customers were without power at the height of the storm, a number that had dropped to about 87,168 by noon Thursday.
“I understand our citizens are frustrated, exhausted, and struggling without power,” George said at a news conference. “We are working hard to make sure our vulnerable populations get the assistance they need. That includes our seniors. people and people with disabilities.
Fort Bend County Shelter
Fort Bend County Cooling Center
RELATED: Fort Bend County residents hope they're not forgotten when power is restored
George said a state of disaster has been declared at both the county and state levels. Storm victims should report damage because it helps determine the amount of federal funding the county will receive.
George said debris management will be outsourced and will begin next week.
They are working to distribute supplies such as food, water and ice to those in need. The information will be posted on social media Thursday evening.
RELATED: Texas wants you to report damage from Hurricane Beryl | English and Spanish
Avoid contractor scams
Sheriff Eric Fagan warns that scammers will turn up in droves after a disaster and you should be careful when hiring someone.
- Vet companies and check their qualifications.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau and local chamber of commerce.
- skeptical
- Get references.
- Ask neighbors or friends for advice
- Never pay upfront
- Don't pay with cash
“Scammers usually take the money when you pay with cash and then they disappear, so be careful,” Fagan advises.
The Sheriff also stated that someone pointed a gun at a CenterPoint contractor and that violence and abuse will not be tolerated.
RELATED REPORT: CenterPoint employee held at gunpoint in Fort Bend County, sheriff says
More storm updates for Fort Bend County residents
- Residents are reminded that many traffic signals remain out, so please be careful and follow the rules and treat intersections as four-way stops.
- Transportation services are limited
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Fort Bend County has activated its Point of Distribution (POD) program and is working to open POD sites to distribute water and ice to residents.
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Many county facilities and infrastructure were severely damaged and had power outages.
- Only use 911 in life-threatening emergencies
- Residents are encouraged to call 281-341-4665 for non-emergency needs.
- AT&T and Verizon services were disrupted due to the outage, and data services will be restored when power is restored.
