Just crippling : Texans devastated by ice storm are now hunting empty shelves for food and water Rick Jervis, USA TODAY
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AUSTIN The slow-moving winter disaster pummeling Texas that began with snow, ice and widespread blackouts is now moving into a new phase: A dire lack of food and fresh water.
Supermarket chains that remained open in past disasters have shuttered in the face of power outages and impassable roads. Cities like Houston and Austin are on citywide water boil orders, even though many homes don’t have power. And stores that are open are often lined with empty shelves, as delivery trucks struggle to reach them over still-icy roads.
More than 500 cases of price gouging reported in Harris County
FacebookTwitterEmail We ve seen of course gas prices all the way from $2.50 a gallon to $3.50 a gallon, Menefee said. Report price gouging if you see it in Harris County.JUAN BARRETO/Staff
In a time of dire need during this winter blast, Texans have faced yet another threat from individuals who are spiking prices on basic necessities, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced during a press conference.
As of Friday, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee s office has reported more than 500 cases of price gouging in the Houston area during the storm.
Houston hospitals are filling up, and ambulance calls are reportedly at a 300% increase. This is a disaster in every sense of the word, and it s awful, and people are really suffering, said ER nurse Rene Fenner.
Fenner, who spent three days living and working at LBJ Hospital in northeast Harris County, says they were prepared for the injuries from snow and ice, but not the massive, long-lasting power outages. I ve had dead people come in with higher temperatures than some of these patients, said Fenner.
Memorial Hermann Hospital alone has treated more than 100 carbon monoxide cases, many from families using charcoal grills to heat their homes.
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