Pickup Owners Join Texas Rescue Efforts
As we watch the nonstop television coverage of Hurricane Harvey's aftermath and the tremendous rainfall on the Gulf Coast, our thoughts go out to the people of Texas. So many people will need help in the months to come that we should all think about how we can support current rescue efforts as well as the region's long-term recovery. If you can think of ways to help, please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
One thing that struck us as we watched television coverage was the immediate and impressive response to requests for search-and-rescue help from local and far-flung U.S. citizens — specifically from those with small boats. How did those boats get to folks in need? Mostly by pickup trucks, of course.
The ability to help others is one reason why many people buy a pickup truck — for just-in-case moments such as this. News coverage showed plenty of compact and mid-size sedans and crossovers stranded in high water — along with pickups — but those who own properly equipped 4x4 pickup trucks were doing their civic duty, rescuing family, friends and anyone else in need.
You can bet they're not looking for the TV cameras to tell their stories; they're getting people to shelters and then heading back out in their pickups to rescue others in distress. The rescues will come at a cost: These work trucks will need repairs when this is all over. But that's another thing you won't hear about; these folks won't be calling attention to that either.
There's nothing better than having the right tool in the right hands so it can do the most good, and we think the pickup truck owners in Texas and other states have been doing just that; they deserve our gratitude.
Not all of us have pickups, though, so below is contact information for aid agencies on the ground in Texas helping people and their pets. They can use our donations.
- American Red Cross: 800-733-2767
- Salvation Army: 800-725-2769
- United Way: Online donations only
- Houston Food Bank: 832-369-9390
- SPCA of Texas (Dallas): 214-742-7722
Finally, with more flooding expected in the wake of Harvey, it's important to know what to do if you find yourself driving in rising waters. Sister site Cars.com has that covered here.
Comments
I saw a video yesterday of a line of pickups and boats a mile long headed to the Houston area.
If I wasn't 1500 miles away, I'd probably be out there too.
Pretty inspiring.
This is the good half of America in action. Snowflakes take note.
"This is the good half of America in action. Snowflakes take note."
---- Posted by: redbloodedxy
You'd have been a lot better if you'd left the "snowflakes" statement out. If you bother to pay attention, the REAL Americans are the ones helping, no matter their personal foibles. I'd be more concerned about the ones refusing to help when they could or, like one, waiting "until all the other shelters are full" before opening their doors.
Oh all the pickup truck pictures they could have used, they choose to only use one pictures, this sites beloved Ford Super Duty.
Donations?
That is why we have insurance and pay taxes for!
My gosh people, stop being played!
I am giving support because I pay federal taxes, that is enough for me, do not fall for the guilt trap that you must give more because most have come out to be FAKE and just take your cash and stuff.
Oxi...a LOT of these folks don't have flood insurance because nobody expects 35 inches of rain in Houston.
I agree though, United Way and others are HORRIBLE ways to spend your money. They take a big cut off the top before passing a little cheese down the line.
I'd definitely be out there helping people and saving lives.
even...yours...johnny doe and gang. I got you!
Helping from a afar by donating money to the cause. I would be there with you Frank, even helping the bad people like papa and gms too.
It's not just 4x4 pickups. I've been seeing video footage of anyone with a pickup or SUV who is able to tow a boat headed that way. Go America!
I heard a Subaru had to pull a truck out ;)
You'd have been a lot better if you'd left the "snowflakes" statement out. If you bother to pay attention, the REAL Americans are the ones helping...
@Roadwhale
What time is your next lecture? Don't want to miss it.
Yes, this situation in Texas is unfortunate. To add to the calamity, there are so many ecoboosts breaking down due to the excess moisture in the air. The broken down Ford's are obstructing the evacuation routes.
What is a snowflake as referenced above?
As usual papa and gms have nothing good to say even when people need help they need to bash others, or bash Ford....
GMS, sorry you never have anything good to say about the twins, that says alot.
This is a pro Ford story with a Ford truck.
@Mark Williams,
Please remove the picture of the Ford SD. These are very touchy times.
Thanks.
Please replace it with a GM truck.
Please replace it with a GM truck.
Posted by: Sierra | Aug 30, 2017 12:54:58 PM
Can you show us the GM2500HD with quadrasteer, infinite DEF and what not? Thanks PUTC.
**Sarcasm
GMS, sorry you never have anything good to say about the twins, that says alot.
Posted by: Nitro | Aug 30, 2017 12:06:55 PM
The GM twins are pushing the broken down ecoboosts off of the evacuation routes. Great job GM. In times like these people need the dependability of a GM vehicle, it has always been that way.
I noticed I didn't see any Aluminum Fords out, then I was told the Fords can't ford water because the glue will loosen up and then the body panels fall off.
There are no gms rescuing anyone, the square wheel wells are trapping debris, and then the Fords have to pull them out. Oh wait, now I have to defend again....
I was told the Fords can't ford water because the glue will loosen up and then the body panels fall off.
Posted by: Andy | Aug 30, 2017 1:56:26 PM
Sorry Nitro you need to defend Ford again.
Sorry Nitro, I have to always defend the twins with gms and papa
Sorry Nitro, I have to always defend the twins with gms and papa
Posted by: Sierra | Aug 30, 2017 2:35:21 PM
Go right ahead princess, have at it.
Yep saw on news coverage a lot of Ford HD trucks including a Raptor just cruising through water with no issues - didn't see any RAM's nor shaky cheby trucks...
I didn't see any pickup truck with a snorkel going thru deep water
Been hearing the news about this up here in Canada. Terrible and hope it all gets better soon for people of Texas
. If you can think of ways to help, please share your thoughts in the comments
/QUOTE
When rebuilding your house,,put it on high stilts bc floods will happen again,,
Better still,,get a houseboat on floats to live in
https://youtu.be/DE2WdjS6rRY
My gosh people.
I am in a suburb of Houston. Have most of you never seen people suffer like they are right now in Texas?
This is a calamity for the ages. All of Southeast Texas is slammed like never before. There have just been set, more records of flooding and wide spread ruin like never before in this country.
In real time, on the ground, water and air it seems like all of southeast Texas in helping all of southeast Texas right now!
And it seems like every boat and pickup owner is out right now leading the charge.
Real suffering is everywhere. And help is going on everywhere.
So when you pull your clean comfy truck out of the driveway in the morning, think about what it means to be an American with the incredible freedoms we have. And pitch in a little to help Americans that have lost everything, including their dear old pickup truck.
ON OF MY HOMEBOYS WHO LIVES IN TEXAS SAYS THEY ARE NOT USING GARBAGE MOTORS TRUCKS JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE JUNK AND THEY SUCK AND BESIDES THE NAME SAYS IT ALL GARBAGE MOTORS GET IT GARBAGE LOL.
@chingon.
Nice touch. Specially the caps and Garbage over and over.
Forget what truck you have or don't have, if you are in an area that floods or has hurricanes you should just go ahead and buy a boat. Even a cheap small aluminum one may save your life. Short on space? Put it on your roof. If things are that bad you may be up there anyway.
Man in a Ford F-150 gets rescued by a new Chevy Silverado!
http://www.snappytv.com/tc/5636694
Lots of used TX trucks for sale in the coming months...
"just a little damp"...
Man in a Ford F-150 gets rescued by a new Chevy Silverado!
http://www.snappytv.com/tc/5636694
Posted by: GMSRGRE | Aug 31, 2017 1:52:22 AM
You can't even change your username back to GMSRGREAT after posting as johnnydoe. "GMSRGRE"!!!! HAHAHAHA
Man in a Ford F-150 gets rescued by a new Chevy Silverado!
http://www.snappytv.com/tc/5636694
Posted by: GMSRGRE | Aug 31, 2017 1:52:22 AM
2.7 ecoboost roost will be claiming that those are not real people, they are actors.
Sadly, through all of the loss, people will donate hard earned money and some, not all, "non profits" will get rich. Every one in the country will see increased homeowners insurance and higher auto rates. Taking advantage of a natural disaster is the norm for some people.
@ WXman,
Nice liberal excuse!
Houston sits close to sea level and is in a hurricane zone, so if you do not buy flood insurance means you are an idiot!
I hate to pay for these people that are not properly prepared, and yet we reward them for being stupid!
By the way Houston is a liberal city, a blue city, that explains pretty much why they are in such horrible shape!
@oxi.
Houston may be a blue government city, but it's still Texas, I assure you it is not New Orleans and Katrina. And everything outside of Houston is Red country and run like a top. The efforts down here have been miraculous to say the least. The destruction runs along 200 miles of the Texas coast, not just Houston.
People have always lived along all coasts and figure in storms if they had brains to start with. It's just part of life along coasts.
But give us a little space. This has been a 1000 year flood disaster. Everyone did not invite this to happen. And by the way, we have more trucks here than any place in the country. And proud of it.
@oxi--i am sure those flood victims appreciate you comments. While your at it maybe you could tell some flood jokes to let all of us know how much you care. "Let them eat cake."
Im a Houstonian. My area in Kingwood was hit pretty hard. I did all i can to help others in need. I use my truck to take victims to the shelters. Americans helping Americans.
@tailhook-Thank you for helping those in need. Those that you rescued appreciate you and could care less about what you drive, they are just grateful you were there to help them. It is Americans helping Americans and it is best that all of us remember that during the worst of times that there are people that help and give everything that they have to help those you need. We all need to remember we have more in common than the few differences we have which seem petty.
oxi doesn't need to help. He pays taxes.
oxi doesn't need to help. He pays taxes.
Posted by: bj | Aug 31, 2017 6:15:03 PM
There will be a day where this guy will need help, and hope nobody helps him
JerkbagDeluxe!!!
@ WXman,
Nice liberal excuse!
Houston sits close to sea level and is in a hurricane zone, so if you do not buy flood insurance means you are an idiot!
I hate to pay for these people that are not properly prepared, and yet we reward them for being stupid!
By the way Houston is a liberal city, a blue city, that explains pretty much why they are in such horrible shape!
Posted by: oxi | Aug 31, 2017 10:11:40 AM
Do you have Drivetrain Insurance on your Toyota? No, you're an idiot.
I was watching the news earlier and they showed a video of many Ford,Chevy and Dodge trucks lined up on highway bringing in boats,also a guy had his brothers lifted super duty helping people.
Thanks to those who get it. My son's Mother-in-law lost her house. Two of my crew members lost their houses and vehicles.
My neighbor's brother-in-law lost his ranch. Many of my customers are loosing their houses. You should be here Oxi. You would get a real education.
And by the way Oxi. I and everyone I mentioned is a - Red Blooded Republican.
I'm just sayin' this is much bigger than politics. Look before you leap.
@ truck4life1,
Due to over taxation to assist lazy people and now pay for the uninsured in Texas, I have to work more to foot the bill!
I have a full time job, sorry but I have responsibilities and commitments where I reside. You live near a hurricane zone, expect a hurricane to hit.
Houston is a predominate blue city, no wonder all of the problems!
@ Frank,
Nice name calling hateful liberal.
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