First off, I hope all of our Texas BR brethren are safe and sound.

Second, does anyone know if the Global factory sustained any damage?

I live in Pearland and we were luckily okay.  Just have a severe case of cabin fever with a 4 year old. We had water up to our sidewalk and we are 10+feet higher than next door Friendswood.  Can't even get into Friendswood yet. So good call on evacuating.

Have been through many hurricanes and storms and this was the worst I personally have seen.

Not a religious person but hoping and praying all are safe. 

Sometimes events like this get people to focus on the reality of how little we really need in material things, and how precious life can be. 

I suspect that there will be many heart warming stories of people sacrificing much to help their fellow man during this crisis in the coming weeks and months.  All of America will be stepping up and sending aid ranging from helping hands to cash for sustaining life and necessities.

As devastating as this all is the silver lining is the restoration of humanity.  People will once again treat each other like "people" and that is worth any amount of sacrifice or money.  It, obviously, cannot be purchased at any cost.  Our country's founding fathers would be proud. 

As an update, I have family and friends there and didn't hear a peep about any issues.

electronic communication vs direct communication