Although preparation was done for hurricane Beryl, the magnitude was greater than expected and has caused substantial damage to our community. The City of Freeport understands that the hurricane damaged and destroyed not only homes, businesses and city buildings, but has left many without utilities such as power, gas and water, as it did city hall, the police department and service center as well. We took immediate actions to identify our community’s damages and needs, such as submitting request for water, food, and reporting downed utilities. We apologize for the delayed response but know that all of your city employees have been working around the clock to take care of our community. Not only were your first responders and public works out in the storm starting Sunday night, but Monday morning they began immediate actions. City employees were out assessing damage, reporting issues to utility companies, and clearing roads, in addition to responding to high call volumes from the effects of the storm. Unfortunately, due to damage to city buildings, we did not have a safe location for a cooling center. We have reached out to multiple organizations to get assistance for our community. If you are a part of an organization that would like to assist our community, please reach out to our city hall, police department or fire department. We thank those who have already stepped up to help out, and we appreciate the community working together to help each other. Please understand many of our employees are living in the same conditions as our citizens. They are also working long shifts with no water service, electricity or air conditioner as well, but continue to work hard to support our community, and we are thankful for all they have done.

Disaster declarations were signed by the Texas Governor on Friday, July 5th and additional counties were added by acting Texas Governor on Saturday, July 6th to include all of Brazoria County. Our Mayor also signed a declaration on Sunday, July 7th, plus the President did on Tuesday, July 9th. Further information regarding filing for FEMA reimbursements will be sent out in the near future. When resources are available, such as food and water, notifications will be posted on social media, the city website and through Everbridge.