July 14, 2022 Update

Dear Scorpion Family,

With an increase in COVID-19 cases, I want you to be assured that 51ÁÔÆæ continues to closely monitor COVID-19 trends at the national, state, and local levels. The city of Brownsville recently raised the COVID-19 Threat Matrix to a Level 2 which is moderate.ÌýÌý Collectively, there is concern about the new variants and the history of increased exposures immediately following summer vacation travel and other large summer holiday celebrations.

We would like to remind you of the health protocols and COVID-19 reporting and assessment procedures in place at TSC to help protect your health and safety.

Actions Taken

TSC continues the following proactive actions to minimize the risk of exposure, including:

• installation of HVAC bipolar ionization filters to disinfect and improve the air quality in our buildings,
• deployment of temperature-screening/hand sanitizer-dispensing kiosks,
• installation of touchless water bottle-filling stations,
• updating software systems to enable more digital services for students and employees, such as making tuition payments and securing signatures,
• installation of touchless toilet fixtures,
• establishment of janitorial schedules for deep cleaning and disinfection,
• posting health protocol signage,
• providing PPE, such as face masks, disinfectant wipes, disinfectant liquid, and disposable gloves,
• implementation of an online COVID-19 survey and tracking system, and
• hosting more than a dozen vaccine/booster clinics.

Health Protocols Highly Recommended

TSC recommends that the Scorpion community continue to follow CDC best practices, including, but not limited to:

• getting vaccinated and boosted,
• wearing a mask,
• washing your hands often and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available,
• cleaning and disinfecting work areas and shared equipment,
• covering coughs and sneezes, and
• monitoring your health and staying home when you are sick.

TSC COVID-19 Reporting and Assessment Protocols

Employees and students who have tested positive for, or been exposed to, COVID-19 should complete the TSC COVID-19 Screening/Reporting Form or report the case to the Office of Risk Management by calling 956-295-3825.  Students who are following quarantine protocols in accordance with the guidance of the TSC Office of Risk Management and have not been cleared to come to campus should also contact their instructors.

The office will assess each reported case and determine whether a student or employee meets the CDC guidance for clearance to return to campus. More information regarding the CDC’s guidelines for COVID-19 contact tracing workflow and recommended quarantine protocols may be found .

As always, we will continue to closely monitor national, state, and local guidance regarding COVID-19, as well as continue to provide tools and protocols to reduce exposure to and contraction of the virus.

Thank you for helping to keep our communities Scorpion Strong!

Stay safe, healthy, and hopeful,

Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez
TSC President

TSC.edu COVID-19 Updates

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The post TSC continues to train in coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ News.

1 – Determine Your Risk.
The threats from hurricanes to you and your family can vary widely depending on where you live. It’s not just those along the coast that can experience significant, life-threatening impacts. Evaluate what you need to do to protect your home and family NOW, before the first storm of the season even forms.

2 – Develop and Evacuation Plan.
Take some time to make sure you have a hurricane evacuation plan. The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you are in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are, figure out where you would go and how you would get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative, who does not live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home, and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and your loved ones.

3 – Assemble Disaster Supplies.
Just having enough supplies to make it through a hurricane is not enough. You need plenty to make it through what could be a LONG recovery period, too. Water and electricity could be out for a week or more. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a MINIMUM of three days. Also, make sure you have extra cash, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a portable crank or solar powered USB charger to charge your cell phone. For more information, visit, .

4 – Get an Insurance Checkup.

In preparation for hurricane season, call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Remember, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, you will need a separate policy for flooding. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. For more information, visit.

 

5 – Strengthen Your Home.

If you plan to ride out a hurricane in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand high winds. For more information, visit .

 

6 – Help Your Neighbor.

Many Americans rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches. Learn about all the different actions your community can take to prepare and recover from the hazards associated with hurricanes at .

7 – Complete a Written Plan.

The time to prepare for a hurricane is NOW, before the season begins. Once you are under pressure, having a written plan will take the guesswork out of what you need to do to protect you and your family.

Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. You do notwant to be standing in long lines when a Hurricane Watch is issued. The supplies that you need will probably be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line.

Being prepared now will mean the difference between you being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor. For more information, visit .

Hurricane Preparedness Links

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It only takes one storm to change your life and community. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. Below are tips to help you be prepared in the event of a hurricane. For additional information, visit .  .

The post Hurricane Preparedness appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ News.

On the morning of June 22, 2022, members from the Cameron County SWAT alongside BPD SWAT and other valley Law Enforcement Agencies were given a presentation of manual and explosive breaching at TSC and BISD campuses. These demonstrations are important to test the structures of doors at facilities in case of an Active Shooter Scenario.  These classes provided scenarios-based training on response tactics, in which they were loud explosions throughout the day over the course of these training.

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The post TSC host a series of active attack classes on campus with law enforcement agencies appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ News.

In coordination with various law enforcement agencies, TSC will be hosting a series of active attack classes on campus as part of our continued effort to train with local, state, and federal law enforcement.  These classes will provide scenario-based training on response tactics, in which you may hear loud explosions throughout the day over the course of these training. Please do not be alarmed by these sounds as they are drills and not a live event.

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