The center will be in operation for 24 hours each day it is in operation, City Manager David Blackburn said.
State officials said they expected high winds and rain from Hurricane Ike to have reached Temple by 2 or 3 this morning.
City officials reported evacuee shelters in the city are running with minimal problems, with about 250 evacuees in the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center and about 95 in the special needs shelter at the former Temple police building.
Officials said it is possible more evacuees in private vehicles could be added to the total.
Blackburn said additional city personnel, including police, fire, parks and streets employees, will be on duty during and after the storm. Bruce Butscher, public works director for the city, said crews were continuing to cut drainage ditches and clean drains in the event of heavy rain.
The city is pre-positioning heavy equipment used for clearing streets for a quicker reaction time. The city is positioning barricades in areas prone to flooding.
Storm sirens
Storm warning sirens will NOT be tested today in Temple. If sirens are heard, that means residents should take cover and listen to the news for information.
Temple information
City of Temple Web site: www.ci.temple.tx.us or on Government Access Channel 10. Temple residents may call the main city hall number, 298-5561, for information.
Storm cleanup
In the event of limbs being downed by the storm, the first priority of Temple crews would be to clear the roads of debris. Brush trucks will clean up the fallen limbs at a later time.
Garbage and brush collection will be on regular schedule in Temple unless changes are announced by the city.
After the storm subsides, Cameron city crews will be on the job clearing debris from streets. Residents cleaning their property may place debris at curbside where city crews will be conducting a pickup next week, said City Manager Ricky Tow.
In case of high winds
Trim trees and shrubs around your home
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts
Secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors, including potted plants and lawn furniture. Trash cans, in particular, can plug street drains and contribute to flooding.
Help for evacuees
Have questions about shelter and assistance? Call 211.
Looking for shelter? Go to the Bell County Expo Center, off Interstate 35 via the 292 exit in south Belton.
Medical needs
Starting at noon today, people may call 888-777-5320 to find people with special medical needs who were evacuated because of Hurricane Ike.
What can you do?
Donations may be made to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.
Sandbags
Limited number of sandbags for Temple residents are available at fire stations while supply lasts.
Central Station - 505 N. Third
Station No. 2 - 1710 E. Ave. H
Station No. 3 - 3603 Midway Drive
Station No. 4 - 411 Waters Dairy Road
Station No. 5 - 510 N. Apache
Station No. 6 - 3620 Range Road
Station No. 7 - 8420 W. Adams
Where to monitor weather online
www.accuweather.com
www.weather.gov/fortworth
www.nhc.noaa.gov
www.kcentv.com
www.kwtx.com
www.kxxv.com
Temple College
The library will be closed on Sunday. Please monitor the college Web site and/or call the TC emergency hotline at 254-298-8439 for information regarding further closures.
Milam County assistance
Anyone needing assistance in Milam County during the storm may call 911, the emergency operating center at 254-697-7060, the county judge’s office at 254-697-7000, the sheriff’s department at 254-697-7033 or Susan Reinder’s cell phone at 254-258-8975.
Killeen information
City of Killeen Emergency Management Coordinator Chad Berg says the city is prepared to close roads, shelter residents in flooded areas and dispatch swift water search and rescue teams if necessary.
The citywide emergency warning siren system and countywide reverse 911 system, designed to alert households in specific areas of emergency, are fully operational. The city’s government access channel on Time Warner Cable Channel 10 will post severe weather safety tips and other pertinent information for residents.
City utilities staff have been placed on alert for this weekend. Emergency generators are available at key facilities and preloaded equipment and materials are positioned at locations prone to flooding. Elevated water storage tanks stand ready to meet water demands in the event of power loss.
For more emergency preparedness information and severe weather safety tips, residents can visit www.readykilleen.org.
Events
The Temple Symphony Orchestra will present a “Taste of Italy” at 7:30 p.m. today.
The evening will feature special guest violinist Carla Leurs, who will play Paginini’s “Concerto for Violin in D major.” The orchestra will also perform “The Pines of Rome,” by Ottorino Respighi and “Capriccio Italien” by Tchaikovsky.
Individual tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Season tickets will be available at the door for $95 for adults and $35 for students. For information, call 778-6683 or e-mail rick@templesymphony.org.
Kelly Mulhollan and Donna Stjerna will perform in Toucan Jam: A World of Music at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Cultural Activities Center.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students 12 and under. Season tickets will be available for $50. The price includes admission for one adult and one child to the remainder of the season and a voucher for next season’s Missoula Children’s Theatre show. Season tickets purchases also include the Family Fun Card.
For information, call 778-6683.
Cancellations
The Temple High School cheerleaders have rescheduled their Little Wildcat Cheer Camp. It will now be Oct. 25 and the performance will be Nov. 7.
CERT
Temple Community Emergency Response Team members should be prepared to be called out at any time during the weekend.
