By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-618985.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Dallas is preparing space for thousands at the Dallas Convention Center in the event Hurricane Dean forces a large scale coastal evacuation. The city says its planning for airlifts as early as today to transport coastal patients to North Texas hospitals.
A 42 member search and rescue team from Dallas as well as 100 Dallas County school buses have reported to San Antonio, a staging area for evacuations and rescues.
The Texas Department of Transportation says it learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the state is moving gasoline supplies into the coastal area. Large flashing signs urge motorists to keep their tanks full
Governor Rick Perry has activated 4500 National Guard Troops, and rescue helicopters and boats are ready for action.
Shelley Kofler KERA News