Houston, Gulf Coast drowning while protestors picket Trump

Yes, that's an 'Impeach' sign

Hurricane Harvey just set a domestic rainfall total record as of this afternoon (51.88 inches at Cedar Bayou), as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump head to Austin Bergstrom International Airport after a visit to Corpus Christi and Austin to support and address statewide emergency response coordination.

For most people, it's a no-brainer: helping fellow Texans survive and recover from historic-level flooding (with much more to come) is a cause that has no bearing on one's political beliefs or personal preferences. We can argue about FEMA trailers, floodplain zoning, and the merits of the Trump Administration later.

And others? Well, take a look at what those who don't get that are saying this afternoon ...

• Anti-Christian radicals were quick to condemn a flooded church building that did not host Sunday services for not opening its doors as a shelter any sooner: http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2017/august/some-people-hate-joel-osteen-more-than-they-love-truth-hous.html
  
• The fashion police were out in full force to tell us what the First Lady should and shouldn't wear: https://stream.org/twitter-criticizes-melanias-footwear-while-situation-in-houston-worsens.
  
• Anti-Trump protesters decided to make a good-will visit to DPS headquarters in Austin an opportunity to argue about immigration policy:

Guadalupe and Koenig this afternoon, as Trump's motorcade approaches

Thankfully, the great majority of Texans get that it's not about politics: This isn't a chance to promote your pet cause, to denigrate our nation's leaders who are doing their best to help, or to kick flood victims when they're down. It's time to pack sandbags, open our wallets, gather donations of necessary goods, and get to work on what's sure to be a long road to recovery.

Below are some resources we hope you'll be able to use, followed by a message from Gov. Greg Abbott, who called Texas' response so far "nothing short of remarkable." We'll keep this list updated -- if you know of any other compilations of flood relief efforts please leave them in the comments section below and we'll be happy to include them here.

KXAN: Stand Strong Texas
http://kxan.com/category/stand-strong-texas

Austin American-Statesman:
http://www.statesman.com/news/harvey-aid-houston-these-texas-businesses-and-nonprofits-are-helping-out-here-how-you-can-too/CLFBZ3a9wyM2mK3DNbaGNO

Texas Tribune (statewide resources for those assisting and those who need help):
https://www.texastribune.org/2017/08/28/hurricane-harvey-relief-efforts-how-help

Must Read Texas (subscribe for daily round-up of Harvey news and opportunities)
http://mailchi.mp/potomacstrategygrp/mrt-immigration-court-serves-as-trump-model-ice-raid-in-houston-budget-conference-meets-redistricting-hearings-continue-wapo-on-hurd-204245


ALSO ... The Tracker recommends anyone in harm's way download the Zello app for your smartphone ASAP. Search for the channel titled "Texas Search and Rescue" and there you will be able to instantaneously communicate with search-and-rescue workers in your vicinity. More info:
http://money.cnn.com/2017/08/28/technology/volunteers-harvey-rescue-apps/index.html

Below is a message from Team Abbott with some helpful links, especially for those in immediate need ...

... As Texas continues to experience heavy rains in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, I want to share some additional information and resources for those affected by the storm.

I have activated the entire Texas National Guard--about 12,000--in order to respond to Hurricane Harvey disaster recovery. The Texas National Guard is working closely with FEMA and federal troops to respond urgently to the growing needs of Texans who have fallen victim to Hurricane Harvey, and the activation of the entire Guard will assist in the efforts already underway.
 Check the Texas Hurricane Center page on the Office of the Texas Governor website to see the most up to date list of mandatory and voluntary evacuations. However, if you are living in a flooded area, do not attempt to evacuate by driving your car--doing so will put your life and lives of rescue personnel at risk. Visit the FEMA website for safety tips or call 2-1-1 for evacuation information.

If you need assistance, visit the FEMA disaster assistance site or call 800-621-FEMA.

If you need immediate medical attention or emergency evacuation assistance, call 9-1-1. If you cannot get through on the first try, keep calling. You can also call one of five numbers for the Houston Command Center of the United States Coast Guard:
 281-464-4851
281-464-4852
281-464-4853
281-464-4854
282-464-4855

Do not attempt to drive on flooded roadways! Remember, “turn around, don’t drown!” If you need roadside assistance, call 800-525-5555 or 9-1-1 if it is an emergency. Check Drivetexas.org for flooded roads and road conditions before driving anywhere. Call the Texas Department of Transportation at 800-452-9292 for statewide road closures.

If you are in Houston, visit the City of Houston Emergency Information page or call either 3-1-1 or 713-884-3131 for Houston emergency updates.

If you are a hurricane evacuee seeking shelter, visit the Red Cross website to find open shelters or call the Red Cross Hotline at 800-733-2767. I have opened Texas State Parks to free camping for hurricane evacuees. Check here for a list and a map of park availability. AirBnB is also providing free accommodations to Harvey evacuees. You can find a free place to stay or offer up your space to evacuees in San Antonio, Austin, or Dallas.

If you have been affected by Harvey in any way, know that Texas has your back during this difficult time. I ask that Texans continue to keep affected regions in their thoughts and prayers as we continue to endure this severe weather event and its tragic effects on our state.


Sincerely,

Greg Abbott

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Photo credits: Protest photos shared by Leland Freeman via Facebook.com. Thanks, Leland!