Galveston County is planning the start of “Return Home to
Bolivar”, a mission designed to allow access to residents, property owners,
business owners, and insurance adjusters in the Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach,
Caplen, and Gilchrist communities.
The focus of this program, which starts Friday, September
26, 2008, is to allow citizens into the various communities of
BolivarPeninsula to assess and secure their
properties, retrieve belongings, and meet with insurance adjusters. No
citizens will be allowed to stay on the peninsula, however you may return
daily to complete work and leave each evening.
Citizens will have access to the peninsula via
HighIsland
during the hours of 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Westbound traffic onto the peninsula
will not be permitted after 2:00 PM. Law
Enforcement Officers will begin vacate procedures from the
Peninsula
at 4:00 PM. The bridge over
RolloverPass along Highway 87 has
been damaged and has only one lane open to passenger vehicles no wider than
12 feet. Access via the Bolivar Ferry is not available to the
general public due to unsafe conditions at the landings in Port Bolivar.
Persons will be stopped at a check point in
HighIsland.
You will be required to show proof of identification and residency and provided
with registration forms and information packets. Registration forms may be
completed in advance and dropped off upon entry or at any staging area. A main staging
area at the
HighIslandSchool
will be available to distribute ice, water, mosquito spray, and hand sanitizer.
We are trying to make arrangements for a
FEMADisasterRecoveryCenter
to be available. Also at the staging area, there will be a first aid station to
administer tetanus shots if needed and a critical incident stress management
team. Mini-staging areas will be located in Crystal Beach at Crenshaw
Elementary, 416 Highway 87 and the Joe Faggard Community Center, 1750 Highway
87 with ice and water only. Porta-Cans will be available at all staging areas
Citizens NEED to be aware of several important points:
THERE ARE
NO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OR FIRE/RESCUE SERVICES. THERE IS NO WATER,
SEWER, ELECTRICITY, OR TELEPHONE SERVICE. CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE IS
LIMITED.
Be
prepared to walk distances up to ˝ mile. Neighborhood streets that remain
still contain debris and may be impassable by vehicle.
DO
NOT attempt to take items from another person’s property – that is considered
LOOTING and will make you subject to arrest.
There are
countless snakes, alligators, and other wildlife risks in the area. Use
caution when moving or lifting items.
Health
hazards include mold, mosquitoes, and open septic tanks and sewage.
PROTECT YOURSELF from these types of risks.
Nails,
broken glass, lumber, and other hazards abound. Use caution so you do
not injure yourself. Also prepare for the possibility of flat tires by
having spare tires or Fix-A-Flat in your vehicles.
You may
need to use a ladder to access high-raised residences. Use caution
as areas you are accessing may have sustained damage, causing floors and
porches to collapse. Be sure to bring supplies, tools and equipment to access
and secure your property.
Plan your
day so you will be prepared to leave the peninsula by 4:00 PM each day.
News & Information 
