HHSC has approved more than 130,000 applications for special disaster food stamps since Hurricane Ike struck the Texas coast. On average, these individuals and families received $226 in food stamps for October.

The amount of food stamps a family gets is based on income and household size, and the new policy doesn't change the maximum benefits allowed for the program.

The new policy is being applied to all eligible food stamp cases in the disaster area. Food stamp recipients do not need to visit an office or reapply. They will begin receiving the supplements early next week when the amounts are added to their Lone Star Cards.

While there are many who are in the area to help, there are also many looking to scam hurricane victims. Emergency management officials want Ike victims to be aware of people going door-to-door claiming they are with Operation Blue Roof.

Don't hesitate to ask any person approaching your property for proper identification. Contractors who install the Blue Roofs will have a copy of the Right of Entry form the homeowner signed, allowing access to the property. Residents should not pay contractors who claim to be part of the Blue Roof program or sign additional forms after the initial right of entry form is completed at a collection center. The program is free to residents.

Remember, FEMA, Corps of Engineers or Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections, or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local police. Operation Blue Roof is free to residents.

Though the West-Orange Stark Middle School shelter is closed, two other shelters remain open at: Lady of Lords Catholic Church 1600 N Main, Vidor and First Baptist Church Orangefield, Hwy. 105.

Red Cross will continue to operate all feeding distribution sites with mobile units going through neighborhoods. The main kitchen will be located at North Orange Baptist Church with the cooking provided by the Southern Baptist Men's Association.

Salvation Army will continue three feeding sites as long as there is a need at: West Orange City Hall, Orange, First Baptist Church, Bridge City and Salvation Army MLK, Orange.

FEMA has one mobile disaster recovery unit in Orange in the parking lot of the County Administration building, 123 S. 6th Street, Orange.

Curfews remain in effect in Bridge City from 7 p.m. - 6 a.m. and the rest of Orange County from midnight to 6 a.m.

1. Bridge City - 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

2. Orange County- 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.