Mark Tauscheck, Regional Communications Officer for the American Red Cross, joined us by phone this morning just after the 7:30 news. Mark said volunteers from Iowa have been mobilized and are in Austin, Texas at this point, waiting for the waters to subside enough for them to get into Houston to start helping with all the essential needs of the people there. You can hear Mark's entire interview on Hurricane Harvey, now Tropical Storm Harvey, by clicking below.
Shawn DePenning of FEMA joined us by phone this morning just after the 6:30 news. Shawn explained that his job is go go personally thru the homes after the water has subsided and determine the amount of damage done to each home. At this point in time, he also is in Austin, Texas, waiting for the water to subside. He said that there is a large area that will not be livable for maybe several years.
Former KXNO employee Tim Fisher joined us by phone just after the 7AM news. Tim now lives in Houston, Texas; however, he had flown to Illinois for a family funeral and now cannot get back home. His flight schedule has been cancelled 7 times. He is now scheduled to fly out on Thursday afternoon. Tim has an app on his phone where he can see the outside of his home and has been watching the water come up to his house, but cannot tell how much water made it into the home. Fortunately today, he said it looks like the water is retreating from his home.
Remember, the best way to help is cash thru the Red Cross. Text "Harvey" to 90999 for a $10 donation to the Red Cross.
Tomorrow on Van and Bonnie, we'll keep you updated on the storm situation in Texas, the Iowa Events Center has a big announcement for us and Jeff Angelo is back in the "Van" chair!
Have a wonderful day!
Bonnie