Today, the Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston) called for increased language access in communications by city and county government offices about recovery efforts from the storm and emergency warnings to the broader community. 

This comes after Hurricane Beryl, a category 1 hurricane leaves 1.4 million residents without power for the third consecutive day, and amid rising outside temperatures. 

“In the wake of this disaster, it is clear that so many residents of our diverse city and region were not included in early communications about the storm and are not being included by way of their native language in government communications,” said William White, Director of CAIR-Houston. “While there are programs in the city of Houston, Harris, and Fort Bend Counties for language access in other government services, and even in some emergency preparedness plans, there is a need at this moment for government offices and agencies to offer translation services to community members and provide communications about energy restoration and recovery efforts in the diverse languages spoken in the Houston-Galveston region.” 

White noted that while current communications in languages other than English have been limited, the City of Houston and Harris County have published emergency preparedness plans in English, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Chinese, and French. He also highlights the City of Houston’s publication of information in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese since the hurricane passed.

White also noted that while some resources are available in languages other than English, there remains a large gap in communication about storm recovery and energy restoration in languages other than English among the dozen government agencies across the region with equally diverse makeups. 

SEE: City of Houston Emergency Preparedness Plan in Arabic

See Also: Harris County Hurricane Brochure in Arabic

White also noted that Houston City Council District F member Tiffany Thomas has asked for anyone who is able to join their volunteer translation team. 

See Also: Houston District F Volunteer Translation Signup Form

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CAIR-Texas is the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, and empower American Muslims. 

CONTACT: William White, Director of CAIR-Houston, 713-254-2016, w-white@cair.com