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Ike: Important Announcements


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PHONE NUMBER CHANGES

The following telephone information numbers have changed. Please forward the information to your viewers:

Hurricane Ike Hotline/Phone Bank is 713-368-2741.

American Red Cross-Houston Chapter:

. Shelter Information has changed from 713-313-5286 to 1-800-RED-CROSS or 1-800-733-2767

. Missing Persons Information has changed from 713-313-1656 to 713-526-8300

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The Chronicle posted a page about bills/late fees/overages, etc:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metrop...an/6010435.html

Fwiw, I had a bill due (not a utility) that I missed by a few days because of the storm, and I had the late fee waived by calling them and telling them my location - I think most places will do this if you call and they will note you're in a "disaster area."

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Do Not Swim in Ditches, Lakes, or Bayous

Due to Hurricane Ike, many of the waterways in our community have become increasingly contaminated with bacteria and toxins. Health risks that could occur from exposure to these waters include diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections and various bacterial infections, including potentially deadly bacterial infections such as tetanus (lockjaw).

Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services strongly advises residents not to swim, bathe or play in ditches, bayous, creeks or lakes because of these health risks. In addition, residents are reminded that they should never enter waters that you cannot see through, that may have a swift undercurrent or may contain debris.

As always, never leave children unattended around water, including swimming pools, even if they know how to swim.

Protect your family and your community from injuries and drowning.

If you have any questions, call 713-439-6270.

EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS FOR HURRICANE IKE VICTIMS

Does my family qualify for Emergency Food Stamps?

If you live in one of the 29 counties declared a disaster area, and your family

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Swimming Pool Dangers Caused by Hurricane Ike

Since many fences were torn down by Hurricane Ike, swimming pools are

now easier for children and pets to fall into. Harris County Public Health &

Environmental Services reminds home owners and apartment managers to

prevent injuries by placing temporary barriers around swimming pools.

Additionally, do not leave children unattended around water, even if the child

knows how to swim.

Protect your family and your community from injuries and drowning.

If you have any questions, call 713-439-6270.

Pet Safety and Wildlife Awareness after the Storm

Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES), Veterinary Public Health cautions residents to be safe around animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

Be careful around loose or lost pets. Frightened animals are more likely to bite if approached or handled. Do not touch unknown animals. Contact your local animal control agency for assistance.

Wildlife has also been affected by Hurricane Ike and should not be handled. Bats and skunks are still potential rabies carriers. Animal bites should also be reported to your local animal control agency. Visit www.countypets.com for a list of area agencies. Use caution when cleaning storm debris and tree limbs as snakes and fire ants can be a problem. For injured wildlife, call the Houston SPCA Hotline at 713-435-2990.

Be careful when clearing trees and tree limbs from your property. Pets like being

with us while we are outdoors and can easily be injured by damaged or falling trees. Keep pets indoors, away from chainsaws and falling limbs and trees.

HCPHES Veterinary Public Health has increased the holding periods for lost pets to allow owners time to reclaim them. Photos of the animals in our shelter are uploaded twice daily to our website, www.countypets.com , or owners can call 281-999-3191 or visit the shelter at 612 Canino Rd. Monday - Friday 1:00 PM - 5:50 PM and Saturday, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Here is a list of area Animal Control Agencies and their availability.

Baytown 281-422-7600 All services

Brazos Animal Shelter 979-775-5755 All Services

Bunker Hill 713-467-9762 All Services

Conroe 936-539-4431 Emergency & Field Services only

Fort Bend County 281-342-1512 All Services

Friendswood 281-996-3391 Field Services only

Harris County (Unincorporated) 281-999-3191 All Services

Hedwig Village 713-465-6009 All Services

Houston City Limits 713-238-9600 Shelter Services

Humble 281-446-2327 All Services

Hunters Creek 713-465-2150 Emergency Services only

Jacinto City 713-674-8424 Emergency only

Jersey Village 713-466-2129 Field Services only

Katy 281-391-4848 Field Services only

La Porte 281-471-2141 All Services

Liberty 936-336-4505 Vicious or B/C only thru SO

Pasadena 281-991-0602 All Services

Pearland 281-652-1970 Emergency Services Only - not taking animals

Rosenberg 832-595-3490 Only Priority calls - at capacity

South Houston 713-947-7700 Full - not accepting animals

Spring Valley 713-465-8308 No shelter -call PD (7)465-8323

Sugarland 281-275-2596 All Services

Tomball 281-999-3191 All Services

Taylor Lake Village 281-326-5900 Emergencies & B/C's only

West University 713-668-0330 Will accept drop offs - space limited

HCPHES Clinics and WIC Centers Re-Open After Hurricane Ike

Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services would like to announce that Monday, September 22, 2008, three of its clinics and the WIC centers located at the clinics will be open to the public. The clinics and WIC centers are:

HCPHES Antoine Health Clinic

5815 Antoine, Suite A

Houston, Texas 77091

Phone # (713) 602-3300

WIC Phone # (713) 602-3333 HCPHES Southeast Health Clinic

3737 Red Bluff Road

Pasadena, Texas 77503

Phone # (713) 740-5000

WIC # (713) 740-5085

HCPHES Baytown Health Clinic

1000 Lee Drive, Baytown, Texas 77520

Phone # (281) 427-5195

WIC # (281) 427-7656

Fax # (281) 427-1785

Clinic will be open at their regular schedule. All normal preventive services are offered including the Tetanus and Flu Vaccines.

CITY OF LA PORTE UPDATE

City Manager Ron Bottoms says power continues to come back on in the city. This afternoon the area around Fairmont and Broadway was restored.

This weekend the inspection division will be open (from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m), so make sure all of your contractors working on your home come and register. This will help prevent fraud in the La Porte area.

Water and ice will still be available at the High School both Saturday and Sunday.

The curfew is still in effect from midnight until 5:00am. This has been a great deterrent in preventing looting in La Porte and we will continue this process until most power is restored.

Remember to sign up for the free blue roof tarp program at Bayshore Baptist on Spencer Highway.

*JURY SERVICE IS CANCELLED- RESUMES SEPTEMBER 29

*ALL TRIALS CANCELLED- RESUME SEPTEMBER 29

*RED LIGHT HEARINGS CANCELLED- RESUME SEPTEMBER 29

*PARKING HEARINGS CANCELLED-RESUME SEPTEMBER 29

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

The City of Houston Municipal Courts has resumed business. Individuals, who had court

settings from Thursday, September 11, 2008 through Tuesday, September 16, 2008 will be given

the opportunity to reset their case(s). Resets will be given IN PERSON, at ALL CITY OF

HOUSTON COURT LOCATIONS, through FRIDAY October 3, 2008. Please visit Municipal

Court's website at www.houstontx.gov/courts for information on all Court locations.

****** IMPORTANT***** If an individual fails to reset their case(s) during this reset period

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 through Friday, October 3, 2008, AN ARREST WARRANT

WILL BE ISSUED.

THERE WILL BE NO TRIALS (by Judge or Jury). Trials will resume on MONDAY,

SEPTEMBER 29, 2008. Anyone scheduled for trials on those days must come in person to

receive a new trial date from Wednesday ,September 17, 2008 through Friday, October 3, 2008.

THERE WILL BE NO JURY SERVICE through FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2008. Individuals

who are scheduled for jury service on THESE DAYS will be rescheduled and will be notified by

mail of their new date.

ALL RED LIGHT CAMERA PROGRAM and PARKING ADJUDICATION hearings are

cancelled through Friday, September 26, 2008. Hearings resume on Monday, September 29,

2008. If you have a hearing scheduled for this period (September 15-26), you will be rescheduled

and notified by mail of your new hearing date.

For additional announcements and information please call the City's helpline at 3-1-1, or

713.837.0311 if outside of the City of Houston.

Point of Distribution (PODs) / Sitios de Distribuci

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DISASTER RELIEF CENTERS OPEN

Eight mobile and one fixed Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open throughout the Southeast Texas region. Hours of operation: Daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information go to the FEMA web site listing of sites at https://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/drcLocator.jsp.

Harris County Sites

Ellington Joint Reserve Base

14657 Sneider St

Houston TX 77034

Services: Crisis Counseling, DUA, FEMA Other, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, IRS, Information, Insurance, ONA, Other, SBA Business Loan, SBA Home Loan, State/Local Other, Teleregistration, USACE, VA, Volunteer Organization, Web Registration

Home Depot Store

11500 Chimney Rock

Houston TX 77035

Services: Crisis Counseling, DUA, FEMA Other, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, IRS, Information, Insurance, ONA, Other, SBA Business Loan, SBA Home Loan, State/Local Other, Teleregistration, USACE, VA, Volunteer Organization, Web Registration

Home Depot Store

10707 North Freeway

Houston TX 77037

Services: Crisis Counseling, DUA, FEMA Other, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, IRS, Information, Insurance, ONA, Other, SBA Business Loan, SBA Home Loan, State/Local Other, Teleregistration, USACE, VA, Volunteer Organization, Web Registration

Home Depot Store

6810 Gulf Freeway

Houston TX 77087

Services: Crisis Counseling, DUA, FEMA Other, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, IRS, Information, ONA, Other, SBA Business Loan, SBA Home Loan, State/Local Other, Teleregistration, USACE, VA, Volunteer Organization, Web Registration

Galveston County

Galveston Island Community Center Mobile Response Center

4700 Broadway Island Community Center

Galveston TX 77551

Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Services: Teleregistration, Web Registration

Galveston Island Ball High School Mobile Response Center

Avenue O & 41st Street

Galveston TX

Services: Teleregistration

Galveston Island City Hall MRIC

26th Street and Ball Street

Galveston TX

Services: Teleregistration

Other Counties

Orange County Courthouse

123 South 6th St

Orange, TX 77639

Services: Crisis Counseling, DUA, FEMA Other, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, IRS, Information, Insurance, ONA, Other, SBA Business Loan, SBA Home Loan, State/Local Other, Teleregistration, USACE, VA, Volunteer Organization, Web Registration

Hardin County

300 Monroe

Highway 326

Kountze TX 77625

Services: Crisis Counseling, DUA, FEMA Other, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, IRS, Information, Insurance, ONA, Other, SBA Business Loan, SBA Home Loan, Teleregistration, USACE, VA, Volunteer Organization, Web Registration

Tyler County

Tall Pines Plaza (the old Wal-Mart)

South Magnolia

Woodville TX 75979

Services: Crisis Counseling, DUA, FEMA Other, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, IRS, Information, Insurance, ONA, Other, SBA Business Loan, SBA Home Loan, Teleregistration, USACE, VA, Volunteer Organization, Web Registration

Sewage Back-up in and Around Your Home

Because many wastewater plants are still without electricity, there may not be enough power for their sewer lines (lift stations) to push the sewage to the wastewater plants. This may cause sewage to back-up into your home through places like toilets and bathtubs.

Sewage contains germs that can cause illness, including E.coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Hepatitis A, and Shigella. Symptoms from being exposed to sewage may include diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, chills, and vomiting. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

You can help keep sewage from backing up into your home by limiting the amount of water going down the drain. If you are experiencing sewage back-up in your home you may need to find other locations to use the bathroom and shower (such as your local YMCA), and to wash clothes until power is restored to the lift stations.

If sewage enters your home or yard, it should be cleaned up as soon as possible with cleaning solution made up of one cup unscented bleach to each five gallons of water. Be sure to protect yourself from direct contact with the sewage by wearing long pants, gloves, eyewear, and boots. Wash your hands often with soap and clean water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Always make sure children and pets are kept out of the area until clean-up complete.

Clean all items and surfaces touched by sewage, including children's toys by using use 1 cup of unscented household bleach in 5 gallons of water. Throw away items that cannot be washed and cleaned (such as mattresses, stuffed animals, baby toys, and wood cutting boards) and food that may have come in contact with sewage water.

You can protect your children and pets from unnecessary illness by keeping them from being exposed to sewage.

GASOLINE SAFETY

Harris County would like to remind residents to safely store and dispose of fuels used for generators and power tools. If stored improperly fuel can pose a safety, health or environmental hazard.

Gasoline can be one of the most dangerous substances found in residential dwellings. The following are guidelines for the safe storage of gasoline:

. Store gasoline in an airtight approved storage container holding 5 gallons or less.

. Gasoline should not be transported or stored in open top containers or in containers that are not approved for gasoline storage. Plastic milk jugs, glass containers, water jugs, or styrofoam containers should not be used. Approved plastic and metal gasoline cans are available at hardware stores and other retail outlets.

. Transporting gasoline in a personal auto can be very dangerous. Only airtight approved containers should be used. Gasoline containers should not be transported in the passenger area of the vehicle.

. Storage at a residence should be limited to a total of 25 gallons. In a multi-family dwelling, the 25 gallons recommendation is per structure, NOT per family.

. If possible, store gasoline in a cool, dry, ventilated and secure area entirely separate from the residence, such as a shed or detached garage.

. Storage within a residence should be limited to rooms with fire-rated separation from the rest of the house, such as a garage or a storage room with an opening to the outside. Gasoline should never be stored in the same area with a gas water heater or air handler equipment for the rest of the building.

. Do not store gasoline near appliances such as clothes dryers or water pumps.

. Store well away from generators and cars.

. Keep gasoline containers out of reach of children and away from pets to prevent accidental poisoning.

. Be sure that gasoline containers have child resistant caps.

. Leftover gasoline should never be poured down the drain, dumped on the ground, or thrown in the trash.

. It is illegal to pour gasoline - into a ditch, storm drain, stream, creek, or bayou.

Galveston Island Re-entry Announcement

(Galveston, Texas) -- Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas has announced a re-entry advisory for all Galveston residents and business owners. Beginning Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 6:00 a.m. all residents will be able to re-enter Galveston Island. You must show photo identification that verifies your Galveston address or place of business at all manned checkpoints. The City of Galveston will distribute advisories as returning residents and business owners enter the island.

Areas Located Behind the Seawall East of 103rd Street/Cove View Lane:

All residents and business owners may re-enter the City of Galveston, assess the damage to their property, and determine if they wish to remain in the city. Very limited water, sewer, natural gas, and electric services have been restored to areas behind the Seawall.

Areas Not Located Behind the Seawall West of 103rd Street/Cove View Lane:

All west end residents/businesses may re-enter the City of Galveston, assess the damage to their property, gather important belongings, and then leave the city to return to safe and more secure locations no later than 6:00 p.m. Water, sewer, natural gas, and electric services have not been restored to areas West of Seawall therefore sanitary living conditions are not available at this time.

Current Conditions in Galveston

. No medical facilities are available

. Limited water, sewer, electricity, or natural gas service

. A boil water notice remains in effect until further notice

. Mandated water conservation program in effect island-wide

. Limited retail services available including fuel, food, water, auto, pharmacies, etc.

. Curfew strictly enforced: 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Violators subject to $2,000 fine.

. Limited cell phone coverage

. The south side of the Seawall, all beaches, and the water of the Gulf of Mexico remain closed until further notice

Supplies You Will Need to Bring

. Bottled Water

. Flashlights & Batteries

. First Aid Kit

. Hand Tools

. Hand Sanitizer

. Heavy Duty Garbage Bags

. Camera

. Notepad & Pens

. Bug Repellant

. Personal Hygiene Items

. Gloves

. Face Masks

. Boots

. Sunscreen

. Vehicle Fuel Additives

. Tire Repair - Tools, Fix-A-Flat, Spare Tire, Jack

Safety Requirements

Traffic Safety:

. Watch for Debris

. Drive Cautiously - Obey All Speed Limits

. Be Conscientious of Other Vehicles, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians

. Treat All Intersections as a Four-Way Stop

. Street Signs May or May Not Be Present so Remain Alert When Driving

Personal Safety:

. Do Not Put Yourself in a Hazardous Situation

. Do Not Enter Unsafe Buildings

. Exercise Common Sense and Caution When Entering Structures

We appreciate the patience of Galvestonians. We are in this together and we will rebuild together.

Register for Federal Disaster Aid

(Harris County, Texas) -- Residents of 29 Texas counties who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike may be eligible for federal disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The designated Texas counties are: Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington Counties.

"Anyone who was affected by the hurricane could be eligible, but there's no way to know if they don't register," said Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman of FEMA. "Registration is the first step to receive federal assistance."

Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations can register online anytime at www.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY 1-800-462-7585). These toll-free telephone numbers will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Assistance to individuals could include grants to help pay for uninsured temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and/or other serious disaster-related expenses, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Texans should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but under-insured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if the person has registered with another disaster relief organization such as the American Red Cross, local officials or churches. Registrants with FEMA must use the name that appears on their Social Security card. Applicants will be asked to provide:

. Social Security number

. Address of the damaged home or apartment

. Description of the damage

. Information about insurance coverage

. A current contact telephone number

. An address where you can get mail

. Bank account and routing numbers if they want direct deposit of any financial assistance.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Point of Distribution (PODs) / Sitios de Distribuci

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HCPHES Begins Spraying Operation for Mosquitoes

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) will conduct the first round of ground-based spray operations (spray truck) on Sunday evening, September 21, 2008 from approximately 8:30pm until 4:00am in the western portion of the 610 Loop (see attached map). The insecticide, Scourge (EPA-approved), is routinely used to combat mosquito-borne disease and will be used during the spray operations in Harris County. As HCPHES collects additional surveillance data, the ground-based spray operation may expand to other portions of the county.

While Scourge is considered to be safe for the environment, some people may be sensitive to direct contact with the chemical. Therefore, during routine operations HCPHES mosquito control trucks will shut off the sprayer when they see someone potentially in line of a direct spray. Since many Harris County neighborhoods continue to be without power we anticipate that many more people will be outside than usual during spray operations. So, if you are outdoors and you see a mosquito truck spraying in your area, HCPHES asks that you go indoors while the truck is spraying on your block so we can cover your neighborhood adequately.

Traffic Warnings Around Sam Houston Race Park

The Harris County Sheriff's Department advises motorists to be prepared for heavy traffic and delays in the vicinity of the Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West (Beltway 8). The Race Park is being used as a staging area for several hundred trucks involved in the massive effort to restore electrical power to the area in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Trucks will be exiting and entering the Race Park throughout the day, beginning at 6 a.m. each morning.

Motorists are advised of expected delays at particular key intersections in the area, including the following:

Fallbrook at Gessner

Gessner at Beltway 8

Fairbanks-North Houston Road at Beltway 8

City of Baytown State of the City - September 21, 2008

Recovery efforts continue at a brisk pace throughout the city. The evacuation notice was lifted on Friday morning and citizens are returning to our community. We took a direct hit from a category 2 hurricane but our city survived and will recover. Our impact was mostly due to widespread power outages and debris. Communication systems are coming back on-line as power is restored. There are several volunteer agencies in the community providing goods and services. The Baptist Men from North Carolina have set up a field kitchen at Garth and Rollingbrook. Those men and women are providing over 60,000 hot meals every day. Our local Red Cross has established two shelters, Wooster Baptist Church and Memorial Baptist Church. FEMA has brought a field team to Baytown and they are making rounds in different sub-divisions every day to provide information and assistance. FEMA and City of Baytown encourages everyone who has suffered a loss to register with FEMA as soon as possible.

Updates will be posted on www.baytown.org, Municipal Channel 16, flyers, emergency notification, electronic signs and much more. This is a great opportunity for citizens to register online to ensure they receive the city's emergency notices by any phone number or e-mail they provide.

POWER

. Approximately half of the city is still without power.

. CenterPoint's priorities include essential government services such as public safety, waste water, utilities, traffic control, hospitals, and other critical services.

. Residential areas are last priority.

. We are in daily briefings with CenterPoint and elected officials to ensure they know our needs and have our list of priorities. Several city facilities are still without power.

. A link on our web site to the CenterPoint site (www.centerpointenergy.con'statcities/home/html) shows current outages.

CITY BUSINESS

. City Hall and city services are open for business with public safety and recovery a priority.

. Municipal Court is open for operations only. Arraignments and trials have been cancelled for this week.

. Most parks are open for daylight hours only.

. Construction permits are required; however, some permit fees will be waived for some roof and siding repairs. No permits are needed for fences to be replaced or repaired at existing locations.

Storm Debris and Garbage

. Household garbage collection has resumed, but volume is creating some delays. Curbside recycling is planned to commence again next week.

. Debris contractors (Bamaco and DRC) have crews working daylight hours throughout the city picking up debris. Through Saturday, September 20, our contractors and city crews have collected over 48,000 cubic yards of debris.

. Debris on private property is the responsibility of the owner. Property owners should move debris to curbside and keep all debris or trash out of ditches, storm drains and streets.

. Residents are asked to separate their storm debris into 4 piles: 1) vegetation, 2) fences, roofing, metal, and concrete, 3) household appliances, and 4) household hazardous waste (paint, etc).

. The West Main Street drop-off center was severely damaged in the storm and there is NO public drop off site for any materials at this time.

FOOD - WATER - ICE

Baytown's water is SAFE to drink.

Harris County PODs at La Porte High School, 301 E. Fairmont Pkwy and Jim Fonteno Courthouse Annex, 14350 Wallisville Road.

Baptist Men's kitchen at Garth Road & Rollingbrook for hot meals, water and ice.

Hurricane Hotline: 281-420-5311

City's website www.baytown.org

Comcast Municipal channel 16

KTRH 740 AM

Harris County Opens Debris Drop-Off Sites for Unincorporated County Residents

Harris County to open six (6) countywide debris drop-off sites beginning Monday, September 22, 2008, to provide residents of Unincorporated Harris County with additional ways to clear debris quickly from their property. For further information, residents of Unincorporated Harris County are urged to call (800) 207-2325 between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM.

. Vegetative debris (branches, limbs, and shrubbery) ONLY will be processed at this site.

. Please DO NOT bag your waste. NO BAGGED WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

. Tree limbs should be cut into 10' pieces.

The following WILL NOT be accepted:

. White Goods (refrigerators, microwave ovens, air conditioners, ovens, and blenders, etc.)

. Construction Debris (shingles, siding, treated wood, etc.)

. Household Trash

. Household Hazardous Waste (paint, cleaning products, batteries, etc.)

Household Hazardous Waste should be gathered and disposed of at Household Hazardous Waste events. Call (713) 290-3000 to find the next scheduled event.

Debris Drop-Off Locations*

PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SHOW PROOF OF RESIDENCE: DRIVER'S LICENSE OR UTILITY BILL

1) Tom Bass II Park.3930 Fellows Road 77047-8 AM - 4 PM

2) Challenger 7 Park.2301 W. Nasa Blvd 77058-8 AM - 4 PM

3) Alexander Deussen Park.12303 Sonnier Road 77044-8 AM - 4 PM

4) Gene Green Beltway 8 Park.6500 E Sam Houston Parkway N 77049-9 AM- 4 PM

5) JD Walker Center/Wade Road Camp.7613 Wade Road 77521-9 AM- 4 PM

6) Sylvan Beach Park.636 N Bayshore Drive 77571-9 AM- 4 PM

SCHOOL CLOSINGS - 9/21/2008 @2:15 PM

1 Aldine ISD www.aldine.k12.tx.us Closed Mon.9/22;Tues.9/23;Wed.9/24

2 Alief ISD www.alief.isd.tenet.edu Classes begin Tues. 9/23

3 Alvin ISD www.alvinisd.net Classes begin Thurs. 9/25

4 Barbers Hill ISD www.barbershill.isd.esc4.net Classes begin Wed. 9/24

5 Brazosport ISD www.brazosportisd.net/ Classes begin Tues. 9/23

6 Channelview ISD www.channelview.isd.esc4.net Classes begin Thurs. 9/25

7 Clear Creek ISD www.ccisd.net/ Classes begin Mon. 9/29

9 Conroe ISD www.conroeisd.net Classes begin Mon.9/22; Call for school w/power @936-709-7752

10 Crosby ISD www.crosbyisd.org Classes begin Thurs. 9/25

11 Cypress-Fairbanks ISD www.cfisd.net/ Classes begin Tues. 9/23

12 Danbury ISD www.danbury.isd.esc4.net .-

13 Dayton ISD www.daytonisd.net/ .-

14 Deer Park ISD www.dpisd.org/ Classes begin Wed. 9/24

15 Dickinson ISD www.dickinsonisd.org/ Classes begin Wed. 9/24

16 Friendswood ISD www.fisdk12.net/ Classes begin Wed. 9/24

17 Fort Bend ISD www.fortbend.k12.tx.us/ Classes begin Mon.9/22; Call for school w/power @281-634-1000

18 Galveston ISD www.gisd.org Closed til further notice

19 Galena Park ISD www.galenaparkisd.com/ Closed through Wed. 9/24

20 Goose Creek ISD www.gccisd.net Classes begin Mon. 9/29

21 Harris County Dept. of Ed. www.hcde-texas.org/ Classes begin Mon. 9/22

22 Hitchcock ISD www.hitchcockisd.org/ Closed Mon. 9/22 til further notice

23 Houston ISD www.houstonisd.org/ Some schools will open Tues. 9/23; others Thurs.9/25, all will by open Mon.9/29 ; Hotline available on Mon. 9/22 @713-556-7755.

24 Huffman ISD www.huffmanisd.net/ Closed until further notice

25 Humble ISD www.humble.k12.tx.us/ Classes begin Tues. 9/25 tenative

26 Huntsville ISD www.huntsville-isd.org Classes begin Mon. 9/22

27 Katy ISD www.katyisd.org/ Classes begin Mon. 9/22

28 Klein ISD www.kleinisd.net/ Closed through Wed. 9/24; campuses w/out power will not resume

29 La Porte ISD www.lpsid.org Closed through Wed. 9/24

30 La Marque ISD http://66.60.230.134 Will reopen for students by Oct. 6

31 Magnolia ISD www.magnoliaisd.org Closed Mon.9/22

32 New Caney ISD www.newcaneyisd.org/ Classes begin Thurs. 9/25

33 North Forest ISD www.northforestschools.org Closed til further notice; Employees report Mon. 9/22

34 Pasadena ISD www.pasadenaisd.org Closed Mon.9/22; call tel. 713-740-0285

35 Pearland ISD www.pearlandisd.org Open Tues. 9/23; 713-740-0285

36 Santa Fe ISD www.sfisd.org Classes begin Thurs. 9/25

37 Sheldon ISD www.sheldonisd.com/ Classes begin Thurs. 9/25 TENATIVELY

38 Spring ISD www.springisd.org/ Classes begin Wed. 9/24; Employees return to work Tues. 9/23

39 Spring Branch ISD www.springbranchisd.com/ Classes begin Wed. 9/24

40 Stafford MSD www.stafford.msd.esc4.net Classes begin Thurs. 9/25

41 Texas City www.texascity.isd.tenet.edu Classes begin Tues.9/23

42 Tomball ISD www.tomballisd.net/ Classes begin Tues. 9/23; Not fully operational: Tomball HS, Lakewood Elem, Decker Praire Elem. Visit Web for update on campuses. Employees report Mon. 9/22.

43 Willis ISD www.willisisd.org Classes begin Mon. 9/22

44 Angleton ISD www.angletonisd.net OPEN

45 Columbia-Brazoria ISD http://www.cbisd.com/ OPEN

46 Matagorda ISD www.matagordaisd.org OPEN

47 Needville ISD www.needvilleisd.org OPEN

48 Palacios ISD www.palaciosisd.org OPEN

49 Sweeny ISD www.sweeny.isd.esc4.net OPEN

50 Waller ISD www.waller.isd.esc4.net/ OPEN

Universities

1 Lonestar College www.lonestar.edu Classes begin Mon. 9/22

2 U of H - Downtown www.uhd.edu Classes begin Mon. 9/22

3 Rice University www.rice.edu/ OPEN

4 San Jacinto College www.sjcd.cc.tx.us Classes begin Mon. 9/29 TENATIVE

5 U of H - Main www.uh.edu/ OPEN

6 Alvin Community College www.alvincollege.edu/ Classes begin Wed. 9/24. Law Enforcement classes resume Mon. 9/22. Staff report Tues. 9/23.

7 Houston Community www.hccs.edu Classes begin Mon. 9/22

8 Brazosport College www.brazosport.edu Classes begin Mon. 9/22

Point of Distribution (PODs) / Sitios de Distribuci

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METRORAIL BACK IN SERVICE

METRORAIL is back online this morning, running its normal service.

The I-45 North HOV lanes also reopened this morning to METRO buses and vehicles that meet its occupancy requirement.

However, I-45 South HOV lanes, as well as all other HOV lanes remain closed due to electrical outages. As a result, all other METRO Park & Ride buses will continue to operate on the main lanes.

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The Salvation Army Continues to Serve After Ike

Sunday, September 21st, The Salvation Army Mobile Feeding Units, or canteens, continue to canvass the Hurricane Ike-affected areas, providing food and water to first responders and victims of Hurricane Ike.

Beaumont Area: (12:00 pm and 5:00pm in all locations)

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BLUE ROOF RIGHT OF ENTRY

FEMA in partnership with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has established the Blue Roof Program. A program to assist homeowners who have received roof damage during a hurricane in preventng further damges caused by rain through by providing and installing plastic sheeting to damaged areas of a roof.

In order to have plastic sheeting placed on their roofs, homeowners must complete a right of entry form to allow government and contractor employees on their property. Right of Entry (ROE) centers for affected counties are manned by Corps of Engineers employees. For the center location in your county call toll free 1-888-766-3258. For this information in Spanish, call 1-800-403-0573. Information is also available online at www.blueroofers.com

Below is the list of area ROE centers.

County City Name Address

Brazoria Angleton County Court House 111 E. Locust

Chambers Anahuac 1st Baptist Church 405 South Magnolia Street

Chambers Wallisville Wallisville Project Ofc 20020 IH 10 East Feeder Road, 77597

Hardin Sour Lake Fire Station 711 W. 6th Street

Hardin Kountze County Court Complex 300 Monroe

Harris Friendswood WalMart 150 West ElDorado Blvd

Harris Houston Home Depot 6810 Gulf Freeway

Harris Houston Central Library 500 McKinney

Harris Houston Kendall Library 14330 Memorial Dr

Harris Houston Denver Harbor MSC 6402 Market Street

Harris Houston Third Ward MSC 3611 Ennis

Harris Houston North East MSC 9702 Spaulding

Harris Houston McGovern-Stella Library 7405 Stella Link

Harris Houston Clayton Library 5300 Caroline

Harris Houston South Houston High School 1000 College Ave.

Harris La Porte Bayshore Baptist Church 11315 Spencer Hwy

Harris La Porte Big Lots Parking Lot 6802 Spencer Hwy

Harris Webster Community Center 311 Pennsylvania Dr

Harris Houston Lowes 1000 Gulfgate

Harris Pasadena Pasadena Town Square Mall 171 Town Square Mall

Jefferson Beaumont Lowes 4120 Dowlen Rd

Jefferson Beaumont South Beaumont 4070 Reed

Jefferson Port Arthur Civic Center 3401 Cultural Center Dr.

Jefferson Fannette Municipal Building 19217 Hwy 365

Liberty Cleveland Austin Memorial Library Center 220 South Bonham Ave

Montgomery Conroe Lowes 1920 Westview Blvd.

Orange Bridge City Bridge City High School 2690 Texas Ave.

Orange Vidor Parking Lot 195 West Boliver

-----------------

Editor's note: I have attached the Blue Roof PDF flyer to this message

Blue_Roof_Flyer_Texas_1_.pdf

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Private Waste Management Sites to Accept Hurricane Ike Debris from County Residents

Allied, Casco, Waste Corporation of America (WCA), and Waste Management (WM) will begin accepting Hurricane Ike debris to provide residents of Harris County additional ways to clear debris quickly from their property.

The Allied, Casco, WCA, and WM sites are privately managed sites and may charge a fee for disposal. Please contact the site for information regarding fees, hours of operation, and types of waste accepted.

Allied Facilities

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Apparently it hasn't been lifted yet (I thought it had been, too):

September 21, 2008 - The City of Houston’s citywide curfew put in place following Hurricane Ike will continue to be in effect until further notice. The curfew hours are 12 midnight to 6 a.m. An updated review of the power outages in the city indicates that there are still many parts of the city without electrical service. To continue the enhanced quality of police service to the citizens and neighborhood’s with electrical power, the curfew will remain in effect.

The purpose of the curfew is to protect the lives and property of all residents as law enforcement and other officials respond to emergencies and engage in recovery activities related to this disaster. Therefore, if you are commuting to and from work, operating a business, or eating at a restaurant, for example, you should not have a problem. However, you can expect to be stopped and questioned by police. Violations of the curfew are punishable by fines of up to $500.

http://www.houstontx.gov/police/nr/2008/sep/nr092108-3.htm

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Nearly 10,000 Truck Loads of Debris Collected in the City of Houston Since Hurricane Ike

The City of Houston, with the assistance of its contractors and mutual aid assistance from cities such as San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin, has collected more than 9,923 truck loads (411,825 cubic yards) of storm debris between Sunday, September 14th and Monday, September 22, 2008.

With more than 800 trucks and loaders hitting the streets, the collection is expected to increase to 100,000 cubic yards of storm debris collected per day, an amount equal to what the city Solid Waste Management Department typically collects in one month.

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Curfew Area & Times / Toque de Quedas

COUNTY CITY DAILY START DAILY END FINAL DATE PHONE NUMBER

Brazoria Angleton 10:00 PM 7:00 AM Open N/A

Harris Baytown 10:00 PM 5:00 AM Open 281-420-6556

Harris Bellaire 12:00 AM 6:00 AM Saturday 9-20-08 713-668-3487

Montgomery Conroe No Curfew No Curfew Open 281-364-4200

Galveston Friendswood 11pm 5am Open 281-996-3200

Galveston Galveston Entry Allowed Entry Allowed Open 1-888-384-2000

Harris Hedwig Village 10:00 PM 6:00 AM Open 713-465-6009

Harris Houston 12:00 AM 6:00 AM Monday 9-22-08 713-881-3090

Harris Humble No Curfew No Curfew Open 281-446-7127

Harris La Porte 12:00 AM 5:00 AM Open 281-470-0010

Fort Bend Meadows Place No Curfew No Curfew 281-342-6185

Pasadena Pasadena 10:00 PM 6:00 AM Open 713-477-1511

Brazoria Pearland 12:00 PM 5:00 AM Open (if leaving restaurants or stores, and stopped all you have to show is your i.d.) 281-652-1100

Fort Bend Rosenberg Lifted Lifted Closed 832-595-3400

Fort Bend Stafford 12:00 AM 6:00 AM Open 281-861-3900

Fort Bend Sugar Land None None None 281-275-2700

Harris Tomball No Curfew Nor Curfew Open 281-351-5484

Harris Webster No Curfew No Curfew Open 281-332-1826

Brazoria West Columbia No Curfew Nor Curfew Open 979-849-9402

Chambers Chambers County 8:00 PM 6:00 AM Open (Everyone must travel with identification) 409-267-8295

Fort Bend Missouri City No Curfew No Curfew Open 281-403-8700

Montgomery Montgomery County None None None 281-364-4200

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THREE MORE HOV LANES TO OPEN TUESDAY AFTERNOON

METRO will be opening the US 290, US 59 Southwest and US 59 Eastex HOV lanes at

3 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept 23, 2008.

Because of a continuing power outage at the Pinemont Park & Ride lot (6201 Pinemont), the entrance ramp to the HOV lane will be closed. Customers who use the Pinemont lot can ride buses that will travel arterial streets before entering the 290 HOV lane or they can park at METRO

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Mass Deployment of Salvation Army and American Red Cross Feeding Units

On Wednesday, September 24, The Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and The American Red Cross will be partnering to welcome home residents of Galveston Island.

In an unprecedented show of unity three of America's largest disaster relief organizations will be mass deploying to provide hot meals, cold water, coffee, and compassion to Galveston residents.

Over sixty disaster response units from The Salvation Army and The American Red cross will be loaded with hot meals, snacks and supplies at a combined mass kitchen operated by the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams at the Lone Star Air museum on Galveston Island.

After stocking, the mobile feeding units will be dispatched throughout Galveston Island to offer hot food and hope to residents finally returning home.

"The task of feeding the returning residents of Galveston Island is much greater than any one organization, it is an opportunity for the best possible care to be provided to the deserving people of Galveston Island and south Texas by The Salvation Army and our partners in the recovery process," said Major Marshall Gesner, Area Commander for The Salvation Army in Houston.

"Wednesday's deployment is a testimony that "a cord of three strands is not quickly broken" and the commitment of The Salvation Army to finish the job. The Salvation Army will serve with the same resolve today that we did on our first ever disaster deployment on Galveston Island in 1900" he added

Below are a few of the locations represented by the mass deployment on Galveston Island.

Texas City/Galveston Area:

255 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX 77565

3115 Highway 6, Bayou Vista, TX 77563

4618 Crane Street, Hitchcock, TX 77563

747 Tiki Dr. Tiki Island, TX

Across from stadium, Texas City

Algoa Fire Department/Alvin PD

Alvin Police Department 1500 S. Gordon St. Alvin, TX 77551

ARLANS (POD location), Galveston Island

Community Center, Texas Ave. & 29th, Texas City, TX

POD at Academy - Galveston Island

POD at Broadway, Galveston Island

Roaming 35th through 55th Galveston Island

Texas Ave and Bayou Rd, LaMarque, TX

Sheriff's Dept @ Barber Middle/Clear Lake Shores/Fairfield Inn

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Ike to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors' most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies.

COMCAST WEBPAGE PROVIDES UPDATED OUTAGE INFORMATON

Customers able to Track Progress in their Specific Community

HOUSTON - (September 22, 2008) - Comcast, Houston's primary provider of broadband services, has been working around the clock to restore services interrupted by Hurricane Ike to its customers throughout the Greater Houston and Texas Gulf Coast areas. To keep its customers better informed, the company recently launched a special web page giving customers access to the latest updates. By clicking the Hurricane Update link at www.comcast.com, customers will be able to see progress within their specific area..

Nearly 70-percent of Comcast customers in the Greater Texas Gulf Coast Area now have their cable services restored. Our experience has shown that most of our outages are due to the loss of electrical power. Often, a street may have power restored, but the power required to operate the node in the neighborhood, may still be without power. This easy to read mapping system will allow customers to see the progress that is being made within their area. Customers can click on a specific map region for a closer view of their community. These maps will be updated as service is restored and customers are advised to check periodically for the latest information.

Comcast technicians are working in all areas where power has been restored and the power company and local authorities have granted a safety clearance. In addition to the company's own local crews, nearly 500 technicians from around the country are on the ground in the Greater Houston Area and surrounding counties to help with the restoration process.

Emergency restoration procedures along the Greater Texas Gulf Coast allow cable service to be repaired as soon as the power companies have restored power and determined the area is safe. Downed power lines can cause dangerous conditions, so an area must be surveyed and cleared by power company personnel before the all clear is given and restoration work on communications lines can begin.

Customers who have a damaged cable drop ― the line that connects cable service to the house ― should call 1-800-COMCAST or click on the "Contact Us" link at www.comcast.com to report the problem.

AMERICAN RED CROSS OPENS LARGE SHELTER IN HOUSTON TO HOUSE EVACUEES RETURNING BY BUS

(Houston, Texas)-- A former Auchan superstore is a Houston Red Cross shelter for returning evacuees who were bused to other Texas cities before Hurricane Ike hit. Many of these residents can't return to their homes because their homes were severely damaged or destroyed in the storm.

Before Ike made landfall, evacuees from coastal areas were bused to state Shelter Hubs in cities such as Austin and Dallas. This shelter is being used exclusively for residents moving out of the George R. Brown Convention Center Shelter and for these Houston area coastal residents being brought back here by bus. The shelter is located at 6059 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77087.

Residents needing shelter, who evacuated on their own, are strongly encouraged to choose from other Red Cross shelters located throughout the greater Houston area.

The Red Cross is identifying additional shelter locations because more evacuees will be bussed back into Houston in the next few days.

For current Shelter List information go to www.houstonredcross.org and 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). In addition 6 Red Cross and Southern Baptist Kitchens in Southeast Texas have been providing between 20,000-50,000 meals twice-daily. These kitchens have been providing meals for Red Cross Shelters, Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV's) distributing food to families in damaged neighborhood and providing drive-up meals from the Baytown kitchen location.

Also, Red Cross damage assessment teams, going street to street, have

determined more than 16,572 homes in Harris and Galveston counties, so far

have been damaged, including 1,533 destroyed and 3,450 with major damage.

Red Cross Teams continue to assess damage in 26 area counties including teams dispatched today from the Houston area to access damage in Chambers, Liberty and Polk counties.

You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Hurricanes of 2008,by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. You can log-on to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) to make a donation.

You can also use your cell phone to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging they keyword "GIVE" to "2HELP" (24357). You can send multiple donations depending on your carrier. Contributions will appear on monthly bills or be debited from a pre-paid account balance. All applicable text rates apply.

Harris County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs-School Openings

Harris County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs are open starting Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at both the North and South campuses.

All bus routes for both North and South campuses are open. Students are instructed to report to their classes as scheduled immediately.

Any student who utilizes private transportation and attends the North Campus after Tuesday, September 23, 2008 should call 713-669-0799 for additional details.

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Emergency HIV Prescription Information for Hurricane Evacuees

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated a special Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), available to evacuees in these Texas counties: Aransas, Bexar, Brazoria, Brooks, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Cherokee, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Hidalgo, Hunt, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Kaufman, Liberty, Lubbock, Matagorda, Navarro, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Smith, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Wharton, Willacy and Wood.

The EPAP will provide a one-time 30-day supply of medications to treat acute conditions and replace maintenance prescription drugs or medical equipment lost as a direct result of Hurricane Ike. This special assistance has been extended until further notice.

If you live in Texas, are already enrolled in the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP), and have to leave your home due to an impending hurricane or subsequent flooding and storm damages, please call the program directly at either 512-533-3000 or 800-255-1090 to request a temporary pharmacy transfer. We'll be able to set you up at an alternate pharmacy location in Texas to pick up your HIV meds while you're displaced. If at all possible, please take your current supply of medications with you before you leave your home, so that you may continue to use that supply. The new pharmacy you're assigned to will need as much information as possible from you regarding prescriptions in order to supply additional drugs to you, so the labels on your current prescription bottles and any other details regarding your physician will be

a tremendous help to them. Remember, if you don't have any additional refills available on the prescription you're currently using, the pharmacy can't fill your request unless they can reach your doctor's office and obtain authorization to do so.

If you're a Texas State Pharmacy Assistance Program (SPAP) enrollee using your Medicare Part D plan to obtain your HIV medications, please note that you may continue to fill your prescriptions from any participating pharmacy in the statewide SPAP network. (For example, any Albertsons, CVS, Kroger, Randalls, Target, Tom Thumb or Walgreens pharmacy in Texas can process the SPAP prescriptions.) A complete list of SPAP pharmacies is available at www.publichealthrx.com/pharm_tx_spap.html.

If you're currently enrolled in an ADAP program in your home state and have been evacuated to Texas from a neighboring state, there's a special Emergency Relief Application you can complete and fax into the THMP offices at 512-371-4670 along with proof of identity (such as a copy of your state ID or driver's license) and a copy of your state ADAP ID card if available. Our staff will contact you at the phone number you provide and assign you to a Texas pharmacy location in order to pick up an initial 30-day supply of HIV medications while you're temporarily in Texas awaiting the okay to return to your home state. The application you'll need to complete can be downloaded at: www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/meds/PDF/URGENT.pdf.

Anyone needing access to fax machines or local support services is encouraged to seek out assistance from local service providers. A listing of such organizations can be found on the Texas HIV/STD Service Directory page: www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/services/service.shtm.

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Unified Command Continues to Respond to Post-Hurricane Pollution

PASADENA, Texas - The Unified Command here continues Tuesday to confirm, assess, prioritize and clean up reports of pollution caused by Hurricane Ike.

By Tuesday morning, response personnel were assessing 228 pollution reports and/or actual incidents: 181 sites in the Houston-Galveston area and 47 sites in the Port Arthur, Texas, to Lake Charles, La., area. The type and amount of pollution, which includes oil and diesel from boats, and industrial chemicals, varies by site.

Members of the Environmental Protection Agency, Coast Guard, Texas General Land Office and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality comprise the Unified Command. Field workers from these agencies are working with local agencies to assess, contain and clean up spills and hazardous materials.

Assessment teams investigate reports of possible cases of pollution and prioritize the cleanup efforts. Once a reported case is confirmed, the teams work to identify the source and try to identify and notify a responsible party (RP).

If a RP is identified, that party may hire a contractor to secure the source of the spill and clean up the pollution. If no RP is identified, the government team hires a spill contractor to clean up the pollution. Recovery teams then oversee the contract cleanup efforts.

It is possible that as private boat owners begin to pull their sunken or partially submerged private vessels from the water, there will be more spills. Members of the public should call the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 to report any pollution or displaced hazardous materials.

The public should report oiled or injured wildlife by calling Texas Parks & Wildlife at (281) 842-8100.

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FLARING AT SHELL

There will be intermittent flaring at Shell Deer Park over the next few days as the company restarts the refinery and chemical plant.

The site was shut down last week in preparation for Hurricane Ike. Shell is pleased to report there were no personal injuries and minor damage to the facility has been repaired.

Local residents may observe smoke, light and noise from the flares. Shell will make every effort to minimize the flaring, but wants residents to know that flaring at night may occur.

Shell apologizes for any disturbance this may cause.

Shell continues to focus on safety and protecting the environment as we return to normal operations.

For more information contact 713-246-7301.

Texas Renters May Be Eligible for Disaster Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas renters who suffered damage to their residences from Hurricane Ike may be eligible for disaster assistance.

Federal grants to rent a place to live may be available for renters whose primary residence requires repairs to make it habitable. Eligible renters may be provided one or two months of assistance depending on circumstances, and may be extended if needed.

In addition, renters may apply for a U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan up to $40,000 for personal property losses. If they don't qualify for an SBA loan, other needs assistance may be available for such disaster-related costs as medical-dental expenses, clothing, a damaged vehicle or moving and storage expenses.

Disaster-affected renters may register 24 hours a day, seven days a week online at www.fema.gov or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY) 1-800-462-7585). The best way to register with FEMA is to go online at www.fema.gov.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett Issues Order Suspending Animal Impoundment & Boarding Fees

Due to Hurricane Ike and its aftermath, many animals have been displaced and are being housed in impoundment facilities of the Veterinary Public Health Division of Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services.

Following a Disaster Declaration by the Governor of Texas and a Local Declaration of Disaster issued by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and extended through September 30th by Harris County Commissioner Court, the following order is effect:

-Animal impoundment and boarding fees authorized by the Harris County Animal Control Regulations and collected by the Veterinary Public Health Division of Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services are suspended.

-The suspension of animal impoundment and boarding fees shall continue until the termination of the Local Declaration of Disaster adopted by Harris County Commissioners Court and any extensions thereof and the termination of the Declaration of Disaster issued by the Governor of Texas applicable to Harris County, Texas, and any extension thereof. If either the Local Declaration of Disaster or the Governor's Disaster Declaration remain in effect for Harris County, the animal impoundment and impoundment fees shall remain suspended.

This Order takes effect immediately.

Harris County Toll Road Authority to Resume Toll Collection

Reprieve Granted in Response to Hurricane Ike Ends Saturday

HOUSTON - Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and county Toll Road Authority officials

decided today that traffic conditions now warrant the resumption of toll collections on

the Harris County Toll Road system. Therefore, drivers should be prepared to begin

paying normal tolls with cash or EZ TAG this Saturday, September 27, 2008.

Emmett authorized waiving tolls beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10,

to assist the evacuation of the southeast Texas region prior to the impending landfall

of Hurricane Ike. In the aftermath of the storm and with the declaration of the

Houston-Galveston region as a disaster area, tolls continued to be waived. "The toll

road's capacity was needed to help with traffic management efforts," said Toll Road

Director Gary Stobb, "while traffic signals on surface streets suffered from storm

damage and/or loss of power, as well as to allow passage for service providers,

emergency responders, and citizens returning home."

With power now restored to more than 75% of Centerpoint Energy customers, and

more and more traffic signals coming online by the hour, officials have agreed to

resume normal operations on the Harris County Toll Road system. With the City of

Galveston re-opened to residents today, free access to the toll road system provided

a means to divert some of that traffic around Houston rather than through it.

Signage will be placed throughout the system, at toll plazas and in EZ TAG stores

notifying the public that the toll waiver will be lifted Saturday, September 27, 2008.

Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority Resumes Tolls

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX - Fort Bend County will resume collecting tolls on the WestPark and Parkway Toll Roads at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, September 25, 2008. "We have incurred $640,000 in lost revenue to date. This is 10% of our annual debt service. Fort Bend must avoid forcing the use of tax dollars for payment of toll bonds or for operating the system," said County Judge Bob Hebert.

Cornyn Announces Texas Workforce Commission To Receive $7.95 Million Grant For Hurricane Ike Assistance

WASHINGTON-The Texas Workforce Commission will receive an initial federal National Emergency Grant of $7.95 million to assist dislocated workers as a result of Hurricane Ike, United States Senator John Cornyn announced Wednesday. The funding, which comes through the U.S. Department of Labor, will go toward establishing a temporary employment program. In addition, the Department of Labor made clear that this amount could be increased if needed to as much as $15,883,200.

"Hurricane Ike delivered a devastating blow to East and Southeast Texas, and as Texans begin to rebuild those battered areas of the state, the federal government needs to be doing everything in its power to help them," Sen. Cornyn said. "The jobs created by this grant will assist with the cleanup and recovery efforts while also helping to revitalize the local economies. This is good news and represents an important step forward in the recovery and rebuilding effort. I will continue to work closely with our local, state and federal officials to ensure Texans impacted by Hurricane Ike are receiving the funding and resources needed to help make Texas whole again."

Workers participating in the program will assist in cleanup and recovery efforts, as well as humanitarian efforts, such as projects to provide food, clothing and shelter. Approximately 600 individuals will be temporarily employed and the program could be funded up to $15,883,200.

Cornyn has remained committed to ensuring Texans receive the federal assistance they need and are entitled to as Hurricane Ike recovery efforts continue. Earlier this week, he was successful in securing crucial tax assistance for Texans hit by Hurricane Ike. The two major tax provisions - tax exempt bonds and low income housing tax credit - will be made available for Texas counties declared as a major disaster by the President.

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HARRIS COUNTY WARNS AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED DUMPSITES AFTER HURRICANE IKE

Harris County strongly urges residents to avoid creating debris stockpile sites in their neighborhoods (i.e. parking lots, medians, community centers, etc). Neighborhoods wanting to establish their own collection sites must coordinate with Harris County before creating their own drop-off sites. Unincorporated Harris County residents are encouraged to wait for County debris haulers to remove debris from the right-of-way in front of their homes or to use one of the six (6) designated drop-off locations provided by Harris County. Harris County debris contractors are only collecting debris from sites located in the County right-of-way.

Residents of Unincorporated Harris County who wish to remove vegetative debris quickly from their private property should use one of the six (6) debris drop-off locations provided by the County. The drop-off sites will only accept vegetative debris (branches, limbs and shrubbery). All limbs must be trimmed to a maximum of ten (10) feet.

The following are the debris drop-off locations provided for Unincorporated Harris County residents:

PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SHOW PROOF OF RESIDENCE: DRIVER'S LICENSE OR UTILITY BILL

1) Tom Bass II Park.3930 Fellows Road 77047-8 AM - 4 PM

2) Challenger 7 Park.2301 W. Nasa Blvd 77058-8 AM - 4 PM

3) Alexander Deussen Park.12303 Sonnier Road 77044-8 AM - 4 PM

4) Gene Green Beltway 8 Park.6500 E Sam Houston Parkway N 77049-9 AM- 4 PM

5) JD Walker Center/Wade Road Camp.7613 Wade Road 77521-9 AM- 4 PM

6) Sylvan Beach Park.636 N Bayshore Drive 77571-9 AM- 4 PM

*New locations will be added when available

Residents of Unincorporated Harris County that have questions regarding debris are urged to call:

(800) 207-2325 between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM.

-------------

MHMRA Updates

The Southwest Clinic, 7011 Southwest Freeway will reopen on Wednesday,

October 1st and the Northwest clinic will reopen on Thursday

October 2nd. Effective Monday, September 29th no more medication refills

for current MHMRA clients will be given at NPC (Neuro- Psychiatric- Center)

on Taub Loop. As of September 29th, all current

clients should get their medications refilled at their own clinic.

Northwest clinic clients who must have medications before October 2nd

should go to the Ripley Clinic at 4414 Navigation to get their refills.

Three ways to apply or an SBA Disaster Loan

After you register with FEMA at (800) 621-3362:

1. Apply in person at any Disaster Recovery Center and receive personal, one-on-one help from an SBA representative. To find a location near you, call SBA at (800) 659-2955 or visit our web site at: http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassist...ERV_OFFLOC.html

or

2. You may apply online using SBA's Electronic Loan Application at:

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

or

3. You may complete a paper application and mail it to SBA at:

U.S. Small Business Administration

14925 Kingsport Road

Ft. Worth, TX 76155-2243

SBA to Open Business Assistance Centers for Ike Victims

Sacramento, CA - The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced the opening of five Business Assistance Centers (BACs) to provide a wide range of services to businesses impacted by Hurricane Ike. The business centers will open Thursday, September 25.

"Due to the severe property damage and economic loss Hurricane Ike inflicted on businesses in Texas, we want to provide every available service to help get them back on their feet," said Rear Admiral Steven G. Smith USN (Ret.), Chief of the Executive Office of SBA's Office of Disaster Strategic Planning and Operations. "These centers will provide a single one-stop location for businesses to access a variety of specialized help," he added. The centers will be open at the following locations on the days and times indicated.

Houston

University of Houston SBDC

2302 Fannin, Ste 200

Houston, TX 77002

Mondays thru Fridays

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Opens Thursday, September 25

Until further notice Houston

Houston SCORE Chapter

8701 S. Gessner, 12th floor

Houston, TX 77074

Mondays thru Fridays

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Opens Thursday, September 25

Until further notice Lufkin

Angelina College SBDC

3500 S. First

Lufkin, TX 75901

Mondays thru Fridays

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Opens Thursday, September 25

Until further notice

Port Arthur

Lamar State College SBDC

1401 Procter

Port Arthur, TX 77641

Mondays thru Fridays

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Opens Thursday, September 25

Until further notice

Texas City

Galveston County SBDC

8419 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway

Texas City, TX 77591

Mondays thru Fridays

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Opens Thursday, September 25

Until further notice

Specialists from the following organizations will be available to meet with business owners:

U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

University of Houston Small Business Development Center Network

According to Manuel R. Gonzalez, SBA's Houston District Director, SBA customer service representatives will be available to meet individually with each business owner to explain how an SBA disaster loan can help finance their recovery. "We can answer your questions about SBA's disaster loan program, explain the application process and accept your completed application," he said.

According to Mike Young, Executive Director of University of Houston Small Business Development Network, SBDC representatives will provide business consulting services designed to help these business owners re-establish their operations and plan for their future. They will provide disaster loan program information, answer questions and help businesses apply for this much needed financial help. All services are provided free of charge.

Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may apply to SBA for low-interest disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damage to real estate, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. These loans cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes, SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs created by the disaster. Many small businesses are suffering financial losses caused by extended power outages, even though they have not suffered any property damage. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered property damage.

Business owners may also get help from SBA representatives at any Disaster Recovery Center in Texas. They may also contact SBA's Customer Service Center by calling toll-free (800) 659-2955 or by emailing us at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Hearing impaired individuals may call toll free (800) 877 8339 or visit SBA's website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Additionally, disaster victims may now go online to file an SBA application for disaster loan assistance. The Electronic Loan Application (ELA) is accessible via SBA's secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, disaster victims should first register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling (800) 621-3362, or visit their web site at www.fema.gov.

POLICE CHIEF LIFTS CITYWIDE CURFEW EFFECTIVE TOMORROW MORNING

Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt has announced the citywide curfew put in place following Hurricane Ike will be lifted beginning at 6 a.m. TOMORROW (Friday, Sept. 26).

The curfew hours of 12 midnight to 6 a.m. will remain in effect tonight (Thursday).

The purpose of the curfew is to protect the lives and property of all residents as law enforcement and other officials respond to emergencies and engage in recovery activities related to this disaster. Therefore, if you are commuting to and from work, operating a business, or eating at a restaurant tonight, you should not have a problem. However, you may be stopped and questioned by police. Violations of the curfew are punishable by fines of up to $500.

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ALL HOUSTON COURT SERVICES RESUME MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008

*JURY SERVICE

*TRIALS

*RED LIGHT HEARINGS

*PARKING HEARINGS

The City of Houston Municipal Courts will resume regular court operations on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2008. All courts are open. Individuals who have court settings should appear in court as scheduled.

The reset period has been extended to accommodate individuals who had court settings September 12-26, 2008, and were not able to appear due to weather related circumstances. Resets will be given IN PERSON, at ANY CITY OF HOUSTON COURT LOCATION through FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2008.**

All trials resume on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008.

Jury Service resumes on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008. Individuals who were scheduled for jury service should report as scheduled.

ALL RED LIGHT CAMERA PROGRAM and PARKING ADJUDICATION hearings resume on Monday, September 29, 2008. For those scheduled for a hearing the period of September 15-26, 2008, you will be rescheduled and notified by mail of your new hearing date.

For additional announcements and information please call the City's helpline at 3-1-1, or 713.837.0311 if outside of the City of Houston. Please visit Municipal Court's website at www.houstontx.gov/courts for information on all Court locations.

** IMPORTANT** If an individual FAILS to reset their case(s) during the reset period ending FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2008, AN ARREST WARRANT WILL BE ISSUED.

CITY OF LA PORTE OPENS DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER

Martha Gillett with the City of La Porte announced that there will be a Disaster Recovery Center opening tomorrow, September 27th, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. to assist citizens with Hurricane IKE recovery. The Center will be located in the parking lot in front of Auto Zone at 301 W. Fairmont Parkway in La Porte.

Harris County Expands Weekend Hours for Debris Drop-Off Sites for Unincorporated County Residents

Harris County continues to operate six (6) countywide debris drop-off sites. On Friday, October 3, 2008, the drop-off sites will operate with extended weekend hours to service residents of Unincorporated Harris County. WEEKDAY HOURS WILL BE DISCOUNTIINUED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. For further information, residents of Unincorporated Harris County are urged to call (800) 207-2325 between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM.

The following will ONLY be accepted:

Vegetative debris (branches, limbs, and shrubbery) ONLY will be processed at this site.

DO NOT bag your waste. NO BAGGED WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Tree limbs should be cut into 10 foot pieces.

The following WILL NOT be accepted:

White Goods (refrigerators, microwave ovens, air conditioners, ovens, etc.)

Construction Debris (shingles, siding, treated wood, etc.)

Household Trash

Household Hazardous Waste (paint, cleaning products, batteries, etc.)

Household Hazardous Waste should be gathered and disposed of at Household Hazardous Waste events. Call (713) 290-3000 to find the next scheduled event.

Debris Drop-Off Locations and Operating Hours

*( 8 AM - 6 PM FRIDAY, SATURDAY, & SUNDAY)*

PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SHOW PROOF OF RESIDENCE: DRIVER'S LICENSE OR UTILITY BILL

1) Tom Bass II Park.3930 Fellows Road 77047-8 AM - 6 PM

2) Challenger 7 Park.2301 W. Nasa Blvd 77058-8 AM - 6 PM

3) Alexander Deussen Park.12303 Sonnier Road 77044-8 AM - 6 PM

4) Gene Green Beltway 8 Park.6500 E Sam Houston Parkway N 77049-8 AM- 6 PM

5) JD Walker Center/Wade Road Camp.7613 Wade Road 77521-8 AM- 6 PM

6) Sylvan Beach Park.636 N Bayshore Drive 77571-8 AM- 6 PM

http://gis.hcpid.org/Drop_Off_Locations.pdf

WEEKDAY HOURS WILL BE DISCOUNTIINUED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Texans - Here's How to Speed Disaster Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas -- State and federal officials who are helping Texans recover from Hurricane Ike have some tips to speed disaster aid.

. Register by telephone or online. Homeowners, renters, and business owners

who had damages and losses as a result of Hurricane Ike should call the Federal

Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA

(3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 to apply for assistance.

o Telephone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because of

high call volume, FEMA encourages people to call at off hours late in the

evening or before 6 a.m. to avoid waiting for a specialist.

o Online registration is also available at www.fema.gov. Have your

information on hand when you register online; if you walk away from a

computer to look for something, your online session may be timed out and

you will have to begin the registration process again.

o What to have ready when you apply by telephone or online: Your

current address; the address of the damaged property; current phone

information; insurance information, if any; and your Social Security

number.

o Remember, registering with voluntary agencies does not register you with

FEMA.

. Register, even if you are insured. Your insurance coverage may not cover

everything. However, FEMA disaster assistance, by law, cannot duplicate

insurance coverage.

. Remember, disaster assistance covers a wide range of losses. Along with rental

assistance and assistance for home repairs, disaster-related losses include

damaged or lost personal property that may include anything from a wheelchair to

a major appliance.

. Stay in touch and keep appointments after you have registered for disaster

assistance. A FEMA inspector will make an appointment to visit your home.

Make every effort to be at the damaged property for the visit, and call if you need

to change the appointment.

. Return all forms promptly. After registering, you may receive a U.S. Small

Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loan application in the mail. Fill out

and return the forms promptly or visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for SBA

assistance. Even if you are not interested in a loan, complete the loan package and

return it. Filling out the SBA application is a necessary step to being considered

for other forms of disaster assistance; storm victims are not obligated to accept an

SBA loan.

. After registering, visit a DRC to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. If

you have disaster aid questions, need help filling out an SBA loan, want to check

on the status of your application, or need information on how to re-build better

and stronger, you can talk with recovery specialists at a DRC.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or manmade, including acts of terror.

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HARRIS COUNTY WARNS AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED DUMPSITES AFTER HURRICANE IKE

Harris County strongly urges residents to avoid creating debris stockpile sites in their neighborhoods (i.e. parking lots, medians, community centers, etc). Neighborhoods wanting to establish their own collection sites must coordinate with Harris County before creating their own drop-off sites. Unincorporated Harris County residents are encouraged to wait for County debris haulers to remove debris from the right-of-way in front of their homes or to use one of the six (6) designated drop-off locations provided by Harris County. Harris County debris contractors are only collecting debris from sites located in the County right-of-way.

Residents of Unincorporated Harris County who wish to remove vegetative debris quickly from their private property should use one of the six (6) debris drop-off locations provided by the County. The drop-off sites will only accept vegetative debris (branches, limbs and shrubbery). All limbs must be trimmed to a maximum of ten (10) feet.

The following are the debris drop-off locations provided for Unincorporated Harris County residents:

PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SHOW PROOF OF RESIDENCE: DRIVER'S LICENSE OR UTILITY BILL

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY ONLY

1) Tom Bass II Park.3930 Fellows Road 77047-8 AM - 6 PM

2) Challenger 7 Park.2301 W. Nasa Blvd 77058-8 AM - 6 PM

3) Alexander Deussen Park.12303 Sonnier Road 77044-8 AM - 6 PM (CLOSED)

4) Gene Green Beltway 8 Park.6500 E Sam Houston Parkway N 77049-8 AM- 6 PM

5) JD Walker Center/Wade Road Camp.7613 Wade Road 77521-8 AM- 6 PM

6) Sylvan Beach Park.636 N Bayshore Drive 77571- AM- 6 PM

MONDAY - SATURDAY (8AM - 6PM) AND SUNDAY (12 NOON - 6PM)

7) DirtCheapMulch.4460 FM 1960 East -West of Artesian Way (Key Map 336Z)

*New locations will be added when available

Residents of Unincorporated Harris County that have questions regarding debris are urged to call: (800) 207-2325 between the hours of 8 AM to 8 PM.

Harris County Temporarily Waives Permit Fees & Inspections

Harris County is temporarily waiving permit fees and inspections on reconstruction related to Hurricane Ike. Fees will be suspended through April 1, 2009.

Permits are required for:

. Major storm related damage and repairs (e.g., holes in roof or flood damage)

Permits are not required for:

. Building code related work (e.g., electrical or plumbing)

. Roof shingle replacements

. Damaged windows

. Perimeter Fencing (unless in 100-year floodplain)

Permit and inspection fees will ONLY be waived for the reconstruction of buildings damaged by storm events.

All construction above and beyond storm related damages ( property additions) require a permit and fees are applicable.

For more information, please contact Harris County Permits at 713-956-3000 or visit our new location at 10555 Northwest Freeway, Ste 146, Houston, TX 77092 during the hours of 7:30 AM-4:00 PM

First Phase of Traffic Signal Restoration Moving Ahead

The Houston Public Works and Engineering Department reports that more than 1,900 (76%) of the City

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Postal Service Advises Customers in Hurricane Impacted Areas to File "Change Of Address" or "Hold Mail" Orders

Unclaimed Mail May be Returned to Sender after Oct. 20

Houston, TX - In an effort to clear unclaimed mail volumes and adhere to established delivery guidelines in areas impacted by Hurricane Ike, the Postal Service is advising postal customers that have not yet picked up their mail or made formal alternate arrangements in lieu of their normal mail service to do so before October 20.

Many Post Offices in the Houston-Beaumont-Galveston are currently holding mail for thousands of postal customers that have not yet made arrangements to receive or pickup their mail, and have not contacted the Postal Service to establish formal mail forwarding or hold mail orders in lieu of their normal delivery service.

"We were able to extend our normal mail pickup and delivery guidelines to give postal customers additional time to recover and make alternate arrangements for their mail service where necessary," said Houston District Manager Kelvin Williams. "However, we have reached the point where it is no longer feasible to continue holding mail indefinitely for hundreds of customers that have not picked up their mail or filed either a Change of Address or Hold Mail order."

"Unclaimed Mail" is mail classified as undeliverable based on any of the following guidelines:

. Residential or Business Customer has no mail receptacle available for mail delivery and has not picked up their mail from their regular or alternate Postal Service facility for more than 30 days.

. Residential or Business Customer has not cleared mail delivered to their mail receptacle for more than 30 days.

. Residential or Business Customer has an expired Post Office Box rental agreement exceeding 10 days.

Forwarding of mail such as First Class Mail and Periodicals which meets one of the Unclaimed Mail criteria above will be returned to sender in order to adhere to mailer instructions and established Postal Service guidelines.

Customers having either a current "Change of Address" order or "Hold Mail" order with the Postal Service, or are picking up their mail on a regular basis are not impacted by these guidelines.

For customers that have permanently relocated or will be at a temporary location for an extended time, the Postal Service recommends filing a Change of Address in order to forward mail to their new address.

-more-

Customers may file a Change of Address order online at usps.com, at the nearest Post Office or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). In addition, customers can request a "Hold Mail" order for up to 30 days by following any of the same three options above.

An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation - 146 million homes and businesses. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $75 billion and delivers nearly half the world's mail.

Harris County CLOSES Debris Drop-Off Sites for Unincorporated County Residents

Effective immediately, Harris County will CLOSE the following debris drop-off sites:

. Tom Bass II Park.3930 Fellows Road 77047 (CLOSED)

. Challenger 7 Park.2301 W. Nasa Blvd 77058 (CLOSED)

. Alexander Deussen Park.12303 Sonnier Road 77044 (CLOSED)

The following public drop-off sites will remain open:

FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY on OCTOBER 10-12 AND OCTOBER 17-19-8AM-6PM

. Gene Green Beltway 8 Park.6500 E Sam Houston Parkway N 77049

. JD Walker Center/Wade Road Camp.7613 Wade Road 77521

. Sylvan Beach Park.636 N Bayshore Drive 77571

Residents can also bring their debris to DirtCheapMulch located at 4460 FM 1960 East. Hours of operation are: Monday-Saturday (8AM-6PM) and Sunday (12 NOON-6PM).

Household Hazardous Waste should be collected and disposed of at Household Hazardous Waste events. Call (713) 290-3000 to find the next scheduled event.

Harris County Updates Debris Removal Information for Unincorporated Residents

Harris County has collected over one million cubic yards of debris during the course of Hurricane Ike Recovery efforts. To put it in perspective, the amount of debris collected so far throughout the County can fill the Astrodome more than once. As we make progress to recover, the County is working diligently to make sure the remaining debris is collected as quickly as possible.

If your street has not received a first pass of debris collection, please call the Harris County Disaster Recovery Hotline at 1-800-207-2325. The second pass of debris collection will begin immediately. Please have ALL REMAINING debris on the curb PRIOR to MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2008.

To ensure that your debris will be picked up, please separate in piles by:

. Vegetative debris (branches, limbs, and shrubbery)

. Construction debris (shingles, sidings, treated wood).

Tree limbs should be cut in 10 foot pieces.

Remember that County debris haulers are not allowed to remove debris from private property. Please make sure your debris is placed on the right-of-way. The right-of-way is generally defined as the area between the edge of pavement, the private property line, or the outer edge of a sidewalk or the outer edge of a ditch.

Household Hazardous Waste (paint, cleaning products, batteries, etc.) should be collected and disposed of at Household Hazardous Waste events. Call (713) 290-3000 or visit our website at www.CleanWaterways.org to find the next scheduled event.

Animal Update

Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) Veterinary Public Health has collaborated with the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota to find homes for Harris County pets displaced by Hurricane Ike.

59 animals were picked up on Tuesday, September 30th for the 22 hour ride to the Animal Humane Society's five different shelters in Minnesota.

An additional 60 animals will be flown via Northwest Airlines in the coming weeks.

On September 19th, volunteers drove 16 animals to the Animal Care Center of Corpus Christi. The Corpus Christi shelter volunteered to help find new homes for Harris County pets in need.

HCPHES Veterinary Public Health will continue to look for and work with regional and national partners to help Harris County pets find new homes.

If you would like to adopt a homeless pet, visit our website at www.countypets.com or call 281-999-3191 for more information.

2008 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: MEET, MINGLE & MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In true Texas style, many Houston area neighborhoods are moving ahead with plans for National Night Out (NNO) events despite the destruction caused by Hurricane Ike.

Harris County's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM) applauds the continued response and can-do spirit of our community as we recover from a direct hit from a strong category two hurricane.

"More than ever before, this is a perfect time to meet your neighbors and lend a helping hand," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. "This year, National Night Out isn't just about fighting crime, it is also about rebuilding our community one block at a time."

NNO is observed across the country as a way to heighten crime awareness, support local crime prevention programs, build neighborhood spirit and send a message to criminals by organizing neighborhoods.

Harris County residents can also make their community safer throughout the year and receive disaster training by joining Harris County Citizen Corps.

Call 281-JOIN-NOW or visit:

www.HarrisCountyCitizenCorps.com

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