Lexington Company Steps Up Response to Dual Disasters in Texas
LEXINGTON, Ky — In the face of two significant disasters impacting Texas, a well-established Lexington-based logistics disaster firm is proving vital. Emergency Disaster Services (EDS), the largest disaster management company in the United States, is providing crucial support in the wake of a disastrous barge crash and a series of deadly tornadoes.
EDS Providing Crucial Support Following Texas Disasters
EDS is currently deploying resources to two major incidents within Texas. A significant barge collision in Galveston has led to the only bridge connecting a small island with mainland Texas being decimated and causing a devastating oil spill. Supplementary, a series of fatal tornadoes wreaked havoc throughout Houston.
Matt Daley, Director of Communications and Logistics at EDS, announced that about 20 people were immediately dispatched to assist with the relief efforts in Galveston following the barge crash. EDS envisions that these relief operations could extend up to six months or even longer.
Responding to Houston Tornadoes
Just one day following the barge crash disaster, Houston was struck by severe tornadoes. The extensive damage has left up to one million locals without power while contending with flooding and a heat wave.
As part of the response, EDS has deployed a team of approximately 50 people who are establishing base camps to support and feed linemen from across the country working to restore power in Houston. This effort is estimated to last a few weeks to a month at the minimum.
Employment and Pride in Service
One significant point of pride for EDS is its reliance on local staff. Daley expressed, “We’re proud that the truck drivers are from Maysville, Kentucky, Flemingsburg; they’re coming from the central Kentucky area. We have folks out in far western Kentucky who are part of this response.”
Aside from having a local response and the necessity to hire other individuals on the ground, EDS is primarily composed of Kentuckians who take immense pride in their work. This work requires a significant commitment, requiring staff members to pack a bag and stay away from their families for a long time, but it’s a sacrifice that they’re all willing to make.
The History of Emergency Disaster Services
Operational for over 30 years, EDS has a rich history of dispatching its crews across the U.S. in response to manmade and natural disasters. The predominantly for-profit firm is often federally contracted when crises occur.
Texas Projects in Focus
EDS’s current focus lies on the effort to restore normalcy and mitigate the disastrous effects of the Galveston barge crash and Houston tornadoes. As they work tirelessly to support the communities affected, their commitment to service continues to light the way in times of disaster.
