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Media Relations Office:
ADC Monitor Helps in the Aftermath of Hurricane Rita Arizona Department of Corrections Lieutenant Sandra Flax is exhausted but her spirits are high. Flax, a disciplinary monitor at Newton County Correctional Center in Texas, was caught in the destructive path of Hurricane Rita. “When the Hurricane hit landfall, it was frightening,” said Flax. “But once it passed, it was time to assess the damages and go to work.” Following the hurricane, Flax assumed her duties as monitor, and she also helped unload and distribute truckloads of relief supplies at the prison. But, her biggest contribution was her communication with the inmate population, keeping them informed of the latest developments and reassuring them that the prison is the safest place in the area. “Practicing good communication is a core competency skill that has proven many times over its value in assisting with security and maintaining order,” Sam Sublett, Offender Operations division director said. On September 24, Rita devastated the areas surrounding Newton County Correctional Center. The hurricane rendered the cities of Newton and Jasper, Texas without power and running water. The storm also ripped through the densely populated wooded areas, toppling and uprooting trees. The fallen trees crushed homes and buildings, and blocked roadways. The prison; however, suffered only minor damages. Portions of the dining hall were destroyed and tower windows were blown out. “The prison was one of the safest places in the area to seek shelter and ride out the storm. Many correctional officer family members evacuated to the prison,” said Flax. For a week, Flax lived at the prison with limited power and no running water alongside employees of the Newton County Correctional Center, their families and inmates. The only power at the facility comes from a generator that is supplying energy to operate security lights and a kitchen freezer. With no running water, staff and inmates are siphoning pond water to manually flush toilets. “I’m living in my office,” said Flax. “At least there I will have some light, food, water and a small fan. Many of us are living at the prison because we don’t have these necessities at our residences.” According to Sublett, food and water remains sufficient. Nearby law enforcement and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have delivered plenty of fresh water and food to the prison. Staff is providing Inmates with 20-ounce bottle of water every three hours. Inmates are allowed to walk around, stretch and get some fresh air. They have soap, and are using bottled water to maintain personal hygiene. Also, ADC is ensuring all inmate medical needs remain addressed. " Lieutenant Flax's actions are a prime example of the professionalism exhibited by ADC staff daily, her efforts and commitment in providing assistance and relief during an extreme crisis and at the behest of her own safety and well being are exemplary. I am very proud of her response to this incident," Contract Beds Administrator John Gay said. The Newton County Correctional Center is a contract facility that houses 864 minimum-to-medium inmates from the Arizona Department of Corrections. |
