During times of crisis, it becomes more and more difficult for first responders to respond to every call quickly. That’s what we’re seeing happening in Houston. Regular first responders are struggling to keep up with the massive amounts of 911 calls, and the Coast Guard has only been able to help out with a few. In these times it’s important for regular citizens to step up and become good Samaritans. This is exactly what’s happening in Houston right now, but they need more of it. With a forecast saying there’s no end in sight, the city of Houston sees no reprieve from Hurricane Harvey
With more than 50,000 911 calls coming in Harris County Judge Ed Emmet is begging for volunteers that have boats and high-water vehicles to help volunteer. The good news he says many people have already stepped up. They not only need people to help rescue others who are trapped, but also to assist in setting up and running shelters.
People like Jeff Chase are essential to the operation. On Sunday afternoon Chase and a friend helped a family get out of their flooded home. Chase say’s “if everyone did this, we’d have a lot less to worry about.” He said that particular family had been calling 911 since 6 am.
Chase isn’t the only one helping out. A semi-truck drifted into a dangerous area, and a group of citizens was able to get the driver out safely. One of the people that helped with that rescue said that this is what Texas is all about, helping each other out.
For some people, escaping the water is just part of the journey. Many are struggling to find shelter once they have escaped. Thankfully many do have places to stay; it’s just a matter of getting there. One woman was wading through waist high water holding her 6-month old baby after her home flooded. Thankfully she was at least headed towards a family member’s home.
Another group of volunteers you may have heard of before called the “Cajun Navy” have traveled to Houston to help rescue people. When Hurricane Katrina hit, this group of individuals also went to New Orleans to help with rescue efforts. It’s these kinds of people and stories that make an extreme situation a little bit better.
Civilian volunteers are even more important as the inclement weather continues to come in. It’s hard to see what potential dangers are lurking below flood waters, and rescue crews have been working non-stop for several days now which means they will be less alert and more likely to injure themselves. When civilians step up to help, it makes everyone safer.
When we hear stories of people helping people, it makes our hearts a little happier in an otherwise dismal situation. It renews our hope in humanity. There are often so many negative stories and outlooks in the world it’s important to highlight when there is positivity to remind us to have hope! It seems times of crisis bring about the worst of situations but can bring out the best in people and demonstrate unity between everyone.
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Source: CBS News
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