Grayson Judge issues disaster declaration Monday evening

Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum issued a Disaster Declaration for Grayson County in a press conference on Monday evening. “It will help us to continue to get the assistance that we need,” said Bynum. The declaration will last no more than seven days. “It helps us recover a recoup costs,” Bynum said.

There is no official estimate of the cost of the disaster available yet. “We’re steadily putting those numbers together, but I do know just from a road and bridge stand point you're probably looking at several hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

In addition to the monetary costs of this disaster, two people in Sherman lost their lives, many more were displaced from their homes and providing for them is the county’s first priority. “We've got to make sure they're taken care of,” Bynum said.

Bynum estimated that residents should be able to return to their homes in the next few days, but he said that some residences throughout the county might not be fit for occupying. He said that the fire departments are going to have to make those decisions.

Even though the efforts of the county have not been perfect officials seem satisfied with the performance of emergency personnel, the local government officials and citizens. “There are obviously a lot of lessons to be learned. When you have an emergency or disaster in a county the size of Grayson we're not going to do every thing right. But with that said, I feel like our team reacted very well,” Bynum said.

Practice for emergency situations seems to be at least part of the reason for the effective response. “We had started to practice a scenario very similar to this about a month a half ago,” Bynum said. “We practice every Thursday.”

In order to prevent further situations Bynum asked citizens to be careful when driving and not to play or swim in floodwater areas. “Caution still needs to be applied even as water continues to recede,” Bynum said.

Over the next few days, Grayson County Emergency Management will assess the damages of uninsured losses. Citizens are asked to report damages that should be included by calling 903-813-4248 or emailing flood@co.grayson.tx.us. For shelter information and other disaster assistance citizens can call 211.

People who would like to aid in the recovery process can make donation to the Grayson County United Way. The funds will be divided equally between the Texoma Area Chapter of the Red Cross and our local Salvation Army.