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Friday, September 19th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
ILLEGAL DEBRIS DUMPING
The Harris County Flood Control District has received a number of calls from residents reporting the dumping of tree limbs and other debris in area bayous, creeks and tributaries. Discarding debris into area bayous and creeks can obstruct the flow of storm water, impede drainage, cause flooding and deteriorate water quality.
We strongly urge all residents to properly dispose of all debris. Tree limbs should be cut, tied together and appropriately placed for heavy trash pick-up. Other debris should be placed in garbage cans or other trash receptacles.
Please report items related to area bayous and creeks to Harris County Flood Control District’s Citizens Service Center at 713-684-4197.
Contact: Rosio Torres - (713) 881-3090
Posted in Hurricane Ike Recovery, Harris County Information, Recovery from Hurricane Ike, Greater Houston/Galveston Area Information | 1 Comment »
Friday, September 19th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
CITY OF LA PORTE UPDATE
City of La Porte, City Manager Ron Bottoms offered a Hurricane Ike recovery update:
Debris removal has begun. The debris must be separated into four groups as follows: normal household garbage, construction and demolition materials, vegetative debris, and appliances. This is crucial to ensure fast and efficient clean up of the city. Normal garbage schedules have resumed.
The Mayor has amended curfew times from 12:00 a.m. midnight to 5:00 a.m. This mandatory curfew will be in effect until further notice.
There are currently two POD locations available for supplies one at Lomax Jr. High located at 9801 N. Ave. L. and the other at La Porte High located at 301 E. Fairmont Parkway. The plan is to consolidate to one location which will be the High School.
We encourage citizens to take advantage of the free Blue Roof Program run by the Army Corps of Engineers which is set up at Bayshore Baptist Church located at 11315 Spencer Hwy from 8am - 6 pm to get assistance which includes the installation of commercial grade tarps for homes that have suffered roof damages during the hurricane. The number is 1-888-766-3258.
The La Porte Library located at 600 S. Broadway will be open Friday and Saturday from 10 am - 5:00 p.m. with 25 computers that citizens can use to apply for FEMA assistance.
We are working to get the city back to normal as quick as possible.
Thank you.
Contact: Rosio Torres - (713) 881-3090
Posted in City of La Porte, TX, TX, Hurricane Ike Recovery, Harris County Information, Recovery from Hurricane Ike, Hurricane Ike | 1 Comment »
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
HOUSTON — NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston is scheduled to reopen Monday, Sept. 22, ending its closure related to Hurricane Ike. Johnson shut down Sept. 11 as Ike approached the Texas coast.International Space Station flight control is scheduled to resume from Mission Control in Houston during the morning of Friday, Sept. 19. Station flight control was transferred to a backup facility near Austin, Texas, and later, to another facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.
The Mission Control Center and other key Johnson facilities are largely unscathed, partly because of extensive preparations and the work of a hurricane rideout team of more than 60 people. However, some center buildings suffered roof, window and facade damage. Several light poles were downed, as were a number of trees. The damage assessment and cleanup continues.
Johnson employees should check the center’s Employee Information Line for status updates at 281-483-3351, and are encouraged to contact their supervisors if they have not already done so.
NASA has a public Web site to distribute important information for NASA employees and contractors impacted by Hurricane Ike at: http://www.nasa.gov/eoc
Posted in Business, Greater Houston/Galveston Area Information, Hurricane Ike | 1 Comment »
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
Today, September 18, 2008, at 1514 CDT, I received this email from the City of Friendswood, where I live and work. I will continue to post such information whenever I feel it may be valuable to those that come to our site in search of needed information in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in the Greater Houston/Galveston Area of SE Texas. If you have something to add to this site concerning the recovery phase from this hurricane landfall, please free to email me at info@hurricaneconsulting.net, and I will add it if I agree it belongs here.
Hang in there my friends, power is returning and soon, we will hopefully be back on our feet and back into a more normal life. Keep the spirit of those that rebuilt after the nation’a worst disaster in history, the Great 1900 Storm… they did it, and so can we. Lend each other a hand… we can do this together.
******************************************************************************************
To our Friendswood residents:
As we continue our recovery from Hurricane Ike, we wish to first and foremost provide several venues where points of information are being distributed to our residents.
Information can be obtained from:
Friendswood’s Emergency Operations Center - 281-996-3335 City Web Site www.ci.friendswood.tx.us Radio Station 1650 AM
In addition, our residents can contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-3362 or visit their website at www.fema.gov for recovery assistance. The Friendswood Public Library staff is available to help our residents with filling out FEMA applications at the Library, located at 416 S. Friendswood Drive. If a home is damaged to the extent that it is uninhabitable, FEMA will reimburse individuals for living expenses while they are away from their home.
The Friendswood Public Library is open and includes Internet services for our residents. Roads in Friendswood are passable, and our Police, Fire and EMS services continue to be in full force. A majority of homes in Friendswood also have telephone service. The U.S. Postal Service is delivering mail.
At this time, electricity in Friendswood is at 60 percent. Water supply continues to be safe to drink, and there is no shortage of water pressure in Friendswood. A mandatory curfew is in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. in Friendswood until the City and utility companies can provide safe and effective services.
Fuel and food remains in short supply in Friendswood. While some businesses are beginning to reopen, their supply is still low.
Police Chief Wieners and our police officers want our residents to know that our city is secure. We have had no reports of looting, minimal criminal activity, no fatalities and only a few injuries due to storm clean up efforts. Again, our curfew is in effect, so our residents should carry their ID, and if you don’t have specific business in our community, stay out.
Debris removal has already begun in Friendswood. Our residents are asked to separate their trees and green waste from construction material and household trash. There is no need to bundle, cut or wrap tree limbs. Please be careful cleaning up.
Friendswood has recently put a price gouging ordinance into effect that prohibits vendors and others selling goods or services from unreasonably increasing their prices or rates. Residents who suspect that anyone in our community is price gouging should call the City of Friendswood at 281-996-3335 to report the gouging.
In addition, the City is requiring that Contractors who will be providing building and repair services in Friendswood register with the City and receive from the City a building contractor’s license. One of the purposes of this licensing is to ensure that contractors who will be working on properties in Friendswood are licensed and insured.
Once again, our residents should notify the City of Friendswood at 281-996-3335 if they suspect any price gouging or scams occurring as we recover from Hurricane Ike.
Schools in Friendswood ISD and Clear Creek ISD are closed until further notice. The UTMB health clinic on FM 528 will be open starting on Thursday.
We have 2 relief sites in the area: The FEMA POD is located at Centennial Park, 2200 S. Friendswood Drive. They are stocked with water, ice and ready meals. There is also a volunteer site at Calvary Church on FM 528 and Blackhawk, which has lunch and dinner meals, ice and supplies. Residents may also sign up to help at that location.
Special message for teachers in FISD: you are NOT needed at your campuses, so please take care of your personal needs. You will be given 2 to 3 days notice before you are needed to return and get your classrooms ready. You can check the FISD and City websites for updates later this week.
On behalf of the citizens of Friendswood, we wish to thank our City Manager, City employees and volunteers for the outstanding work they have done so far. Every single one of them has been working diligently at great sacrifice to themselves and their families. Our team includes every department of city services, including Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Community Services, Community Development , Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, City Secretary’s Office and able volunteers, all under the able direction of our Emergency Management Team headed by Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator Terry Byrd.
We would also like to thank Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough and his County emergency management team for being with us before, during and after the storm. We would also like thank Gene Hafele’s National Weather Service team, the State’s Chief of Emergency Management Jack Colley and the State Chain of Command.
Others that we wish to thank include:
State Representative Larry Taylor
TCEQ
Governor Rick Perry’s office
Congressman Nick Lampson
Senator Mike Jackson
Terry Randall and his helicopter
Hill Sand Company
Beck - FEMA compliance
Crowder Gulf - debris removal
David Wight Construction
Boyer Inc. Electricians
Texas-New Mexico Power
CenterPoint Energy
AT&T and other phone utility workers.
Committed Relief and the Samaritan’s Gift ministries working through Pastor Ron Hindt at the Calvary Church relief site.
Kroger on FM 528 for food supplies
HEB Corporate offices in San Antonio for ice and supplies Jack Weber and his employees at the Friendswood Store for being prepared, ready and able to help
Lastly, we wish to thank our citizens for paying attention, and for the great job they are doing in helping each other. If you are still out of town, please check with your neighbors about your property. Use your own judgment when making the decision to return. If you do come back, pick up some groceries and fill up your gas tank before you come back into town.
Throughout this recovery process, we are confident that our community spirit will continue to thrive. We are all truly fortunate to have such committed residents working toward recovery after Ike.
**************************************************************
If you have questions or comments, feel free to comment to City Hall… I feel they are doing the best job they can in bringing our City back.
Stay Safe & Take Care,
Cane
Posted in City of Friendswood, TX, Hurricane Ike | 1 Comment »
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
The US Army Corps of Engineers provides a free temporary roof to residential structures through its Blue Roof Program. Citizens need to show up at sites set up across the city to sign up for the program.
Initial sites include:
6810 Gulf Freeway at Home Depot
McGovern - Stella Link Library at 7405 Stella Link
Clayton Library Center at 5300 Caroline
Central Library at 500 McKinney
Kendall Library at 14330 Memorial Drive
Denver Harbor Multi Service Center at 6402 Market Street
Third Ward Multi Service Center at 3611 Ennis
Northeast Multi Service Center at 9720 Spaulding
1000 Gulfgate at Lowe’s
101 Pennsylvania Street at City of Webster Civic Center
Intersection of Red Bluff Rd and Spencer Highway in Deer Park
Additional sites set up soon at select city libraries. More information about the Blue Roof Program is available by calling 1-888-ROOFBLUE (a recording).
CONTACT:
Frank Michel (O) 832-393-0800, Cell: 713-412-8674
Patrick Trahan (O) 832-393-0804, Cell: 713-417-4134
Posted in Greater Houston/Galveston Area Information, Hurricane Ike | No Comments »
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
The Lynchburg Ferry and the Washburn Tunnel remain closed due to the effects of Hurricane Ike. Both the Ferry and the Tunnel will re-open for service following evaluation and repair.
The tunnel suffered damage when the pumps could not handle the massive storm surge from the ship channel. The ferries suffered damage as a result of being forced by tidal surge.
Contact:
Mark Seegers 713-881-3090 - JIC #
Posted in Greater Houston/Galveston Area Information, Hurricane Ike | No Comments »
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
PRESS RELEASE
Date: September 18, 2008 Contact: Rosio Torres
Subject: Important Numbers 713-881-3090 (JIC#)
IMPORTANT NUMBERS/NUMEROS IMPORTANTES
Centerpoint: (713) 207-2222 Report ONLY Power Lines Down/Reporte líneas
caídas
Social Security Assitance: 1-800-772-1213 (if you haven’t received your
assitance / sí no ha recibido su asistencia)
TXDot: 713-802-5076 or 1-800-452-9292 (Road Closures/ Cierre de Calles)
FEMA: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.fema.gov (Housing Assistance /
Asistencia de Vivienda)
Red Cross 713-313-5286 (Shelters/Albergues)
Missing Persons/Personas Perdidas: 713-313-1656
Report Price Gouging / Reportar Estafas: 1-800-252-8011 or/o 713-755-2648
SPCA Pets / Mascotas: 713-861-0161
PoD Locations/Sitios Distribución: 713-881-3100
Debris/Escombros: 1 (800) 207-2325 (How to Set up Debris for Disposal
& pickup schedule/ Cómo juntar sus escombros para que sea
recogidos y las horas previstas)
###
Posted in Greater Houston/Galveston Area Information, Hurricane Ike | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
Food in refrigerators
o Throw out any perishable food (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, leftovers) if the power to the refrigerator has been off for 4 or more hours.
Food in freezers
(If the door remains closed, a full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours; a half full freezer will keep temperature for about 24 hours.)
o If the freezer thermometer reads 41° F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.
o If there is no thermometer, check each package of food. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 41 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook. Refreezing of these foods will be a quality (not food safety) issue.
Disposal of food
o Liquids (excluding fats, oils and grease) - pour down the drain. Caution: there is the possibility that you will experience sewage back up if your establishment does not have power.
o Fats, oils and grease - place in approved grease disposal bins or place in closed containers and contact grease disposal facility for pick-up.
o Small quantities of food - denature with a cleaning product such as bleach and place in covered refuse bin outside the facility. If garbage pick-up is greatly delayed, place perishable food in closed containers, clearly label “not for sale” and place in a refrigerated location separate from other food until proper disposal is possible.
o Large quantities of food - store in covered refuse containers in a secure location until proper disposal is possible
o Massive quantities of food - take to Type 1 landfill.
Type 1 Landfills
Landfill Company Address County
McCarty Road Allied 5757 A Oates Harris
Atascocita Waste Management 3623 Wilson Rd. Harris
Blue Ridge Allied 2200 FM 521 Fort Bend
Baytown Waste Management FM 1405, just north of FM 2354 Chambers County
Security Waste Management 19248 Hwy 105 Montgomery County
Water
o Until a city or municipal utility district declares its water safe, only bottled water or water that has come to a rolling boil for one minute should be used. Boiled or bottled washing should be used for food preparation, drinking and washing hands.
o Use single service utensils and tableware or use approved sanitizer in approved concentration to sanitize dishes after washing and rinsing. (1/3 cup bleach to 5 gallons water) Sequence should be wash-rinse-sanitize. Heat sanitizing dish machines should not be used unless the sanitizing temperature reaches boiling (212°F.)
Ice
o Establishments that are under a “boil water” notice should not make ice. Purchase packaged ice from an approved source.
o Discard any stored ice. Clean and sanitize ice machine according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
When may I re-open?
Food establishments may resume operation if they meet the following conditions*:
1. Potentially hazardous food (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, etc.) that has not been held at 41°F or less is properly discarded.
2. Full power is restored.
3. Hot and cold running water is restored and is at sufficient pressure to wash hands and clean and sanitize equipment effectively
4. Toilet facilities are operating properly.
5. The establishment does not have structural damage that will cause contamination of food or food contact surfaces and equipment.
*If you wish to resume food operations, but these conditions are not fully met, please consult HCPHES supervisory personnel at (713) 439-6270. Partial operation may be possible.
Contact:
Rita Obey (713) 439-6293
Sandy Kachur (713) 439-6192
***end***
Posted in Business, Home, Greater Houston/Galveston Area Information, Hurricane Ike | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
September 17, 2008
Contact: Sandy Kachur
713.439.6292
Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) cautions residents that mosquito activity is increasing. The combination of storm debris and standing water left behind has produced many more mosquito breeding sites.
HCPHES Mosquito Control is currently conducting county-wide surveillance to detect disease-carrying mosquitoes and determine pest mosquito populations. Ground-based operation (evening spray truck) and aerial treatment operations will be implemented according to on-going surveillance information.
Now is the time to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats from your property.
• Don’t feed the storm drains. Sweep up lawn clippings, leaves and tree limbs from sidewalks and driveways.
• Empty any containers that can hold water such as flowerpots, tires, buckets and other outdoor containers.
• Keep rain gutters clear and draining.
Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
• When outdoors (especially between the hours of dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active), use an insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 (Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus). Apply as directed on the label.
• When possible, wear long-sleeved clothing and long-pants.
Keep mosquitoes out of the house.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good condition.
• Seal other openings, such as those around window air conditioning units.
• When mosquitoes are noticed in the home, use a “flying insect spray”. Be sure to use according to the label.
Posted in Business, Home, Greater Houston/Galveston Area Information, Hurricane Ike | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 by Lew Fincher.
For those residing in Friendswood and for those wishing to return to their Friendswood homes, please be aware of the following:
-Food supply is short, with dry goods coming in slowly at area grocery stores.
-Fuel is very scarce. Residents who are returning should plan to top off their gas tanks before entering the area.
-CenterPoint Energy and Texas-New Mexico Power Company are using every available resource, including out of state resources, to restore complete power in Friendswood as soon as possible. At this time, more than half of Friendswood’s power has been restored.
-The water supply is safe. It is safe for Friendswood residents to drink tap water. There is no shortage of City water at this time.
-Sewer facilities are not operating at 100% at this time. There is a possibility of some sewer back-ups until power is restored to all of Friendswood’s lift stations.
-Friendswood ISD and Clear Creek ISD schools are closed until further notice.
-There is a curfew for the City of Friendswood from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. every day until the city and utility companies can provide safe and effective services. Proper identification will be required to travel within the city during the extended curfew.
-Friendswood parks will be closed through the end of this week.
-Household trash should be bagged as usual and separated from any wooded storm debris. Any green waste that is placed in trash bags should be placed alongside the household trash instead of with larger wooded storm debris. Wooded storm debris do not have to be cut, bundled or tied.
Residents who decide to return to Friendswood should be prepared to be completely self sufficient for at least one week. Food, fuel and electricity are all in short supply at this time.
Posted in City of Friendswood, TX, Hurricane Ike | No Comments »