POCID to Form Citizen Task Force
As we prepare for hurricane season, we look to lessons learned from Uri, and one of the important components of emergency response was the help that Port O’ Connor citizens provided for each other. The extreme and prolonged cold weather produced by Winter Storm Uri was no match for the warmth of Port O’Connor residents as they cared for their neighbors’ homes by turning off the main water valve and draining the lines of water, preventing burst pipes, or reducing the damage caused by pipes that had already burst.
The impact of the storm to homes was somewhat minimized due to the selflessness of these full-time Port O’Connor residents: Troy Beaudry, Casey Byrd, Rex Griffith, Ken McFadden, James Prince, Jack Schuhmacher, and Bill Yost. Carl Critendon went above and beyond by working 24 hours a day for two days repairing District wells during the critical points of the extended freeze. The Board of Directors of Port O’Connor Improvement District extends their deep gratitude for these heroic individuals and the countless unnamed residents for their service to the community.
Winter Storm Uri was a major storm that had widespread impacts across our nation from February 13th through February 17th. As freezing temperatures continued for several days across Texas and many people suffered prolonged power outages, a small force of local, full-time residents swung into action to assist their neighbors who were out of town.
When the pressure at a water plant dips below 20 psi, a boil water notice must be issued by Texas state law. Free flowing water in homes can contribute to the lowering of pressure. Due to the quick response of these individuals turning off water to homes, the amount of time the water treatment plant recorded a significant loss of pressure was reduced, and the boil water notice was able to be lifted sooner.
“We weren’t expecting such a significant cold-weather event, but Texas weather is anything but predictable, so we just did what good neighbors do. We take care of each other in Port O’Connor, and I believe that’s what makes this community such a great place to live,” said Jack Schuhmacher.
Port O’Connor exemplifies the spirit of Texas where you have the privacy you desire when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and where you know you can always get help when you need it. It is this spirit that makes Port O’Connor such an attractive option for people who want to spend their weekends and summers here as well as for those who have decided to make Port O’Connor their home.
“It is impossible to put into words how much we appreciate all of you. ‘Thank you’ just doesn’t seem to be enough. Thank all who got out in the cold to help Port O’Connor. What a wonderful community we live in! We are definitely blessed,” said Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Nancy Pomykal.
Due to the invaluable assistance from the community members during Uri, the POCID Board has decided to create a Citizen Task Force to assist district personnel in time of need. If you are interested in joining this Citizen Task Force to support District goals and activities when needed, please contact Oscar Pena at 361-983-2652.
