DENVER – Colorado is sending more aid to the Texas Gulf Coast as the effects of Hurricane Harvey are still being felt by thousands of people who are either stranded in coastal cities or have been forced to flee their homes.
Over the weekend, three firefighters from South Metro Fire Rescue were preparing to leave for Texas with Colorado Taskforce 1, an Urban Search and Rescue team. A fourth firefighter from the department was already deployed by Saturday night.
Captain Stutz is a 25 year member of FEMA USAR, he's on-call ready to deploy for #HurricaneHarvery and talking with media about his role. pic.twitter.com/1iRr42pfA3
— SouthMetroFireRescue (@SouthMetroPIO) August 27, 2017
North Metro Fire Rescue’ first firefighter was also being mobilized to Texas with Colorado Task Force 1.
Four Longmont Emergency Unit volunteers were also waiting Saturday for approval from the Colorado Department of Emergency Management to head to Texas, according to unit Chief Bryan Flansburg.
Meanwhile, Red Cross disaster workers from both Colorado and Wyoming were deployed along with equipment to the Texas Gulf Coast on Thursday to help relief efforts due to potential flooding in Houston.
Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) from Red Cross offices in Grand Junction, Northern Colorado and Denver, will primarily aid in carrying food and other supplies to local neighborhoods that have been affected by flooding.
A total of 20 firefighters were deployed to the area and are now in Texas, according to a spokesperson from the humanitarian organization who spoke with Denver7 reporter Sally Mamdooh.
"We are putting together a team of people which doesn't technically meet FEMA requirements of a team of 19 but that's what they can get from Colorado so they are willing to take it," said firefighter Dan Goldan.
How you can help
In response to the tragic situation in Texas, several national charity groups are soliciting donations to provide direct assistance to Texans affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Among them are the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
To donate to the Red Cross, text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. The Red Cross is also accepting contributions to its website.
The Salvation Army is accepting donations through its website, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
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