Some Hurricane Gustav refugees to be housed in Richardson

by Andrew Laska of Richardson Echo

As Hurricane Gustav approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, about 100 evacuees are expected to be brought to Richardson starting Sunday afternoon August 31. Shelter will be provided at the Huffines Recreation Center. 4,100 evacuees are expected to arrive through DFW airport.

At the time of this story, Hurricane Gustav is a category 4 storm with winds of 131 to 155 miles per hour. Its current projected landfall is currently west of New Orleans. A statement from the National Hurricane Center called the storm "extremely dangerous."

Huffines Recreation Center is currently closed but surrounding areas such as the Tennis Center and park will be open. Evacuees will undergo background checks by the Richardson Police Department. Evacuees will be required to check-in and out to enter and leave the building.

City officials say that donations of supplies and clothing are not needed at this time. If that situation changes we will post information on the Richardson Echo.

Surrounding residents have been notified through the Duck Creek Homeowners Association. The Richardson Fire Department will be available to handle any special medical needs should they arise.

Shelter guests will use Apollo Junior High facilities which are located next to Huffines Recreation Center. Use of these facilities will occur only after normal school hours according to statements from the City of Richardson, which says it is coordinating use of the school with the Richardson Independent School District.