East Texas

Gregg County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Personnel participated in a statewide conference call outlining Gregg County’s responsibilities for Hurricane Gustav's expected impact on the Texas Coast.

"By late Saturday afternoon we will know if the Emergency Operations Center will be activated," said Gregg County Sheriff's Lt. Mike Claxton. "If that decision is made, which is likely, local emergency management personnel will operate the EOC 24 hours a day in the management of this hurricane."

Initial strategic planning indicates that Gregg County can anticipate receiving 500 to 800 Liberty County, Texas evacuees. Emergency management personnel will establish a reception center at Longview’s Lear Park and will receive those evacuees at that designated center, Claxton said. Additionally Gregg County will get motorists who have fled from the coast area who are traveling through Longview.

At least 12 faith-based organizations will house the displaced evacuees, Claxton said in a prepared statement. In the event of overcrowding, the Longview Exhibit building located at the Gregg County Fairgrounds could be used for additional evacuees, he said.

Lear Park will be equipped with triage tents and operational law enforcement command and control centers.

“We will deploy the appropriate amount of assets to operate at the EOC and other sites that require deputies," Claxton added.