Ike: Important Announcements

[editor]

Fort Bend County Judge Orders Curfew

RICHMOND, TX - Judge Bob Hebert has issued an Order establishing a mandatory curfew within the boundaries of Fort Bend County due to the predicted impact of Hurricane Ike. The curfew will be effective from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12 2008, through 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2008. This order may be amended at any time to either increase or decrease the scope of the Order as dictated by Ike's actual path and strength.

Under the Declaration of Disaster as ordered by the County Judge on September 10, 2008, this curfew has full force and effect within the entire limits of FBC whether the property is within the unincorporated or the incorporated areas of the County.

Violation of the Curfew constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500) as stated in the Fort Bend County Emergency Plan. Jurisdiction for this Order rests with an appropriate Municipal Court or the Justice Courts of Fort Bend County.

Law enforcement agencies will be enforcing this curfew during the effective times and dates.

Fort Bend County AM 1670 Radio Station Now Working

The Fort Bend County AM 1670 Radio Station is currently working. Earlier today, the station was experiencing technical difficulty. Tune in for the latest information about weather conditions impacting Fort Bend County.

Emergency Centers at Local Hospitals are not Shelters

RICHMOND, TX - County Judge Bob Hebert wants to remind Fort Bend County citizens that the emergency centers at our local hospitals are not to be used as a shelter. The hospitals are open to provide emergency medical care only. Those not receiving treatment for a medical condition will be turned away. The hospitals must protect their capacity to provide treatment to any victims of Hurricane Ike.

[editor]

Mandatory evacuation at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 11t\ 2008

includes: all low lying areas including the communities of Smith Point,

Oak Island and all areas south of 1985, Cedar Point, and Walker

subdivision. Citizens should also consider evacuating if they live in low-

lying areas subject to flooding or in unanchored mobile homes or RV's.

Mandatory evacuation is hereby issued for the general population of

Chambers County at noon, Thursday, September 11th, 2008.

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

To all Beach City residents:

If you live South of Cedar Gulley on 2354, and South of Iams Gulley, we are expecting you to be

trapped due to a 20 foot storm surge. You will not be able to get out and we will not be able to get

any services to you. You need to evacuate now!

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

WHEREAS, said state of disaster requires that certain emergency measures be taken pursuant

to the Executive Order of the County Judge Relating to Emergency Management; now,

therefore, the following regulations shall take effect immediately upon issuance, and shall

remain in effect until the state of disaster is terminated:

1. CURFEW

(a) A person shall not remain or travel upon any public or private property in the

following area(s) between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

CHAMBERS COUNTY

( Subsection (a) shall not apply to:

(1) a person authorized by the Emergency Management Director to assist in

the production of the health, safety, or welfare of the public; or

(2) a person who remains or travels upon private property which is owned by

him or upon which the person has been invited.

2. MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND OCCUPANCY OF PREMISES

(a) A person shall not remain or travel upon any public or private property in the

following area(s):

CHAMBERS COUNTY

( Subsection (a) shall not apply to a person authorized by local government

officials to assist in the protection of the health, safety, or welfare of the public.

7. PRICE CONTROLS

A person shall not sell any of the following goods or services for more than the price

the person charged for the goods or services on (date of disaster declaration):

SEPTEMBER 10, 2008.

(a) groceries, beverages, toilet articles, ice;

( construction and building materials and supplies, and earthmoving equipment

and machinery;

[editor]

Due to excessive winds from Hurricane Ike, Harris County Toll Road Authority had shut down the Ship Channel Toll Bridge for safety reasons. Once the wind subsides and the public can safely travel on the bridge, it will be reopened.

[editor]

Brazos River Correction for Fort Bend County

RICHMOND,TX - The Office of Emergency Management would like to report that the Brazos River is not out of its banks. One news source stated that they were receiving information that the river was flooding. Currently according to the river gauges the Brazos is 38 feet below flood stage. We can also report that the San Bernard River is over 10 feet below flood stage.

FORT BEND COUNTY JUDGE EXTENDS CURFEW

RICHMOND, TX - Judge Bob Hebert has extended an Order establishing a mandatory curfew within the boundaries of Fort Bend County due to the impact of Hurricane Ike. The curfew will be effective from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2008, through 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2008. This action is taken to allow time for city and county personnel to fully evaluate the safety of our roadways due to numerous reports of fallen trees, wide-area power outages, and probable loss of traffic signals and signs. This order may be amended at any time to either increase or decrease the scope of the Order as dictated by Ike's actual path and strength.

Under the Declaration of Disaster as ordered by the County Judge on September 10, 2008, this curfew has full force and effect within the entire limits of FBC whether the property is within the unincorporated or the incorporated areas of the County.

Violation of the Curfew constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500) as stated in the Fort Bend County Emergency Plan. Jurisdiction for this Order rests with an appropriate Municipal Court or the Justice Courts of Fort Bend County.

Law enforcement agencies will be enforcing this curfew during the effective times and dates.

City of Missouri City Sets Curfew

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen has issued a curfew from sundown to sunrise for the City, effective immediately. The curfew will remain in effect until sunrise, September 15. This means that citizens cannot remain or travel upon any public or private property during these hours. The exception is resident movement on his or her own private property or a person who has been invited to that property.

Those who have emergency needs that would require their not being in compliance with this curfew should call the Missouri City Emergency Command Center at 281-403-5885.

[editor]

Curfews by Jurisdiction

Galveston County, Clear Lake Shores, Jamaica Beach, Tiki Island, Bayou Vista, Santa Fe - 5:00 pm Friday to dawn on Sunday; then dusk on Sunday to dawn on Monday; Kemah - 7:00 pm through 7:00 am through Sunday; League City - 6:00 pm - 6:00 am Friday and Saturday; Friendswood - dusk to dawn Friday and Saturday; Dickinson - 5:00 pm to dawn Friday through Sunday; La Marque - 5:00 pm Friday with a 10 day declaration in effect until evaluated by City Mayor; Texas City - 3:00 pm Friday until the storm passes; dusk until dawn thereafter pending further evaluation; Galveston - 8:00 Friday ends 5:00 am Sunday; Hitchcock - dust to dawn until Monday

Price Gouging is Illegal!!

The Galveston County Emergency Operations Center wishes for everyone to be aware -- price gouging is illegal!

The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act provides that it is a false, misleading, or deceptive act or practice to take advantage of a disaster declared by the Governor by:

selling or leasing fuel, food, medicine, or another necessity at an exorbitant or excess price, or

demanding an exorbitant or excessive price in connection with the sale or lease of fuel, food, medicine or another necessity

The Governor has declared a disaster due to Hurricane Ike.

If you suspect a business is price gouging, call the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline, toll-free, at 1-800-252-8011, or email the Attorney General at greg.abbott@oag.state.tx.us.

As well, county and district attorney's are authorized to work with the Attorney General to enforce and prosecute such violations. Therefore, upon reopening of Galveston County facilities, you also may report violations to the Galveston County Criminal District Attorney's Office at (409) 766-2355.

[editor]

FROM THE CITY OF LA PORTE:

Citizens are not allowed to return the city due to power outages, debris, flooding and utility issues.

We will notify citizens when it is clear to return via the city's web site, the media and this notification system.

Repeat; it is not clear for citizens to return to the city at this time.

[editor]

TJI:

------

The City of Webster Emergency Management Team is working around the clock for the welfare of the citizens of Webster.

Residents of Webster are not advised to return to the City at this time. Damage Assessment will take place as soon as possible to determine when citizens may safely return to the area.

The City of Webster is without power. City crews are attempting to restore utilities. Do not attempt to travel around the City as roads may be barricaded or impassable. Some roads have debris and crews need to clear the rights-of-way. The entire Police Department Patrol Units are patrolling and safeguarding the community. Winds are expected to reduce late this afternoon. Please call 281-332-2426 prior to attempting to return to the City to ensure it is safe to return. Keep yourselves up to date on the most current information by visiting the websites of the National Weather Service Houston-Galveston, the National Hurricane Center, radio station 1610 AM, and the City's website at www.cityofwebster.com.

[editor]

PET HOTLINE

(Harris County, TX) In support of the Hurricane Ike emergency response, the Houston SPCA has launched the Animal Rescue line to report lost or found animals and to report animal related information. The Animal Rescue line will remain open until 6:00 pm today and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm in the following days. The Pet Hotline phone number is 713-861-0161.

[editor]

Downtown Houston Closed for Cleanup, Assessment

(Harris County, TX) -Houston's downtown area has been closed for cleanup and assessment of storm damage.

Only authorized personnel with a critical need to be in the area will be allowed to enter. Unauthorized persons should not attempt to enter downtown.

[editor]

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES ASSESSING IMPACT OF HURRICANE IKE

. continental.com provides latest flight information and operations summary

. Newark and Cleveland hubs continue normal operations

HOUSTON, Sept. 13, 2008 - Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) is currently assessing the impact of Hurricane Ike at its facilities, including its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), its headquarters building in downtown Houston and other Houston facilities such as maintenance and reservations.

The airline is also working closely with the Houston Airport System, as well as city and county emergency management officials to assess the area's critical infrastructure.

Once this assessment is complete, Continental will update employees, customers and other stakeholders, regarding the status of its operations.

As previously announced, Continental suspended flights in and out of IAH through Saturday.

Change flights at continental.com for no fee

Customers scheduled to travel to, from or through the Houston hub are encouraged to postpone or reroute their trip without penalty to avoid possible inconvenience.

Customers booked on flights in the affected region are permitted a one-time

date or time change to their itinerary without penalty for rescheduled travel. If a flight has been

canceled, a refund in the original form of payment may be requested. Complete details are available at continental.com.

-more-

The fastest and most convenient way to change travel plans is via continental.com.

Customers should enter their confirmation number and last name in "Manage Reservations."

Customers may also call Continental Airlines reservations at 800-525-0280 or their travel agent.

continental.com provides an overview of Continental operations as well as up-to-date information regarding the status of specific flights. Automated flight status information is also available at 800-784-4444.

[editor]

September 13, 2008

2:30 pm CDT

Amtrak has begun to restore some service temporarily suspended due to the landfall of Hurricane Ike.

Nevertheless, all passengers who have travel plans through September 15 in the affected areas on the Los Angeles-San Antonio-New Orleans route of the Amtrak Sunset Limited, Chicago-Fort Worth-San Antonio route of the Amtrak Texas Eagle or Chicago-Memphis-New Orleans route of the Amtrak City of New Orleans are urged to call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL.

Those passengers with telephone contact information in their reservations are being called by Amtrak and offered options including future travel dates. Ticketed passengers affected by this service suspension will be eligible for refunds.

Crescent, Trains 19 & 20, and Heartland Flyer, Trains 821 & 822

Normal service by the New York-Atlanta-New Orleans Crescent resumes with the departure of the southbound Train 19 from New York on September 13 and the northbound Train 20 from New Orleans on September 15.

Normal service by the Oklahoma City-Fort Worth Heartland Flyer resumes with the departure of the southbound Train 821 and northbound Train 822 on September 13.

Sunset Limited, Trains 1/421 & 2/422

Service is suspended east of San Antonio, including Houston and New Orleans, through September 16 for the eastbound Train 2/422 and the westbound Train 1/421. No alternate transportation is available between san Antonio and New Orleans.

Texas Eagle, Trains 21/421 & 22/422, and Thruway Motorcoach buses 6021 & 6022

Service is suspended south of St. Louis, including Little Rock, Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio, through September 13 for the westbound Train 21/421 and the eastbound Train 22/422. No alternate transportation is available between St. Louis and San Antonio.

Also, Thruway Motorcoach Connection buses 6021 & 6022 between Houston/Galveston and Longview, Texas, are suspended for the same period. No alternate transportation is available.

City of New Orleans, Trains 58 & 59

Service is suspended south of McComb, Mississippi, including Hammond and New Orleans, through September 13 for the southbound Train 59 and through September 14 for the northbound Train 58. No alternate transportation is available between McComb and New Orleans.

Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant. Passengers are encouraged to call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com for schedule information and train status updates.

[editor]

Fort Bend County Again Suspends Public Transportation

No Service on Monday, September 15, 2008

RICHMOND, TX - Fort Bend County Public Transportation Services will be closed on Monday, September 15, 2008, due to the uncertainty of passable roadways in portions of the County and Harris County. All commuter routes which include the TREK Express to Greenway Plaza and the Galleria and the Fort Bend County Express to the Texas Medical Center will not operate on Monday. Demand Response services within Fort Bend County will be closed as well.

If conditions allow, services will resume on Tuesday, September 16, 2008. Situation updates, as they are available, will be provided to local media sources. Notices will also be posted to the Fort Bend County website at http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us and announced on Fort Bend County's local AM radio station 1670. Passengers should monitor local media for further information and/or announcements over the next few days. Information on resuming transportation services will also be available from the Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center at 281-238-3430.

Those appointments already scheduled for Tuesday need not be rescheduled; new appointments for pickup should be made after services resume by contacting 281-633-RIDE (7433).

[editor]

September 13, 2008; 15:57

Mandatory Language for a Boil Water Notification

Due to conditions which have occurred recently in the water system, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is requiring Webster to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and for making ice should be boiled and cooked prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you.

[editor]

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Brazosport College will be closed Monday, September 15 and Tuesday, September 16. Our current plans are for Brazosport College to be closed at least through Tuesday, September 16. Please call Brazosport College Switchboard at (979) 230-3000 or check the web site at www.brazosport.edu daily at 2:00 p.m. for the latest information on reopening.

[editor]

Houston 3-1-1

The City of Houston is asking that all 3-1-1 Call Center Operators report to work tomorrow (Sunday) by 6:00 a.m. Those operators not able to report to work are asked to call their supervisors immediately.

[editor]

Galveston curfew announcement

[editor]

HEDWIG VILLAGE MAYOR ANNOUNCES CURFEW

By order of the Mayor of the City of Hedwig Village, a full curfew is in effect beginning Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 9 p.m. Curfew hours in effect from 9 p.m. - 6 a.m. until further notice.

Persons in violation of this curfew order are subject to arrest.

[editor]

Closing Alert - All campuses, University Center, & the System Office, will be closed Monday & Tuesday, September 15 & 16. Normal operations will resume Wed., September 17.

[editor]

City of Houston employees directed to return to work

Statement from Mayor Bill White:

Our city has obviously experienced a devastating blow from Hurricane Ike and its aftermath.

I am proud of the City of Houston employees' response as we are dealing with this still serious situation. I am directing that City of Houston employees return to work tomorrow, Monday, September 15, 2008.

All city employees are directed to report to work unless they are specifically directed to make their work-stations at their homes. Authorization to not come to work must be specifically obtained from your department supervisor.

I am hereby declaring that the City Municipal Courts will be closed for business tomorrow. However, Court personnel should report to duty, unless otherwise directed, to assist in bringing our system back online.

All City of Houston employees are asked to recognize the enormous challenges we face in assisting our community to return to normal. This will require an extra effort from all City employees and I am confident that we will respond appropriately.

CITY OF BELLAIRE CURFEW

By order of the Mayor of the City of Bellaire, a full curfew is in effect beginning Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 9 p.m. Curfew hours in effect from 9 p.m. - 6 a.m. until further notice.

Persons in violation of this curfew order are subject to arrest.

West University Place Issues "Boil Water" Notice

Effective immediately, the City of West University Place has issued a Boil Water notice because the quality of the drinking water may be unsafe as a result of the power outage caused by Hurricane Ike.

The City advises residents NOT to drink the water until tests determine it is safe. The City recommends using one of the following methods to treat water for drinking, cooking or washing dishes.

1. Boil water before use: Hold it at a rolling boil for at least two minutes before using it for drinking, cooking or washing food (the minutes start when the water begins to bubble). The flat taste of boiled water may be removed by shaking the water bottle or by pouring it from one container to another.

2. Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

3. Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon - this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of plain unscented household bleach per gallon of water, and hen let it stand for 30 minutes before using. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure. Use a container with a cap or cover for disinfecting or storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination.

4. Treat water with chlorine tablets or iodine tablets. Read and follow the label instructions.

Water samples will be collected and monitored to determine when it is safe again. When the public health threat has been removed you will be notified.

RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTINUE DISINFECTING WATER UNTIL NOTIFIED THAT THE WATER IS SAFE.

Updated School Closings Sep 14th, 2008

Aldine ISD www.aldine.k12.tx.us/ Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17; essential personnel report Mon. at 8 AM

Alief ISD www.alief.isd.tenet.edu/ Closed Monday, 9/15

Alvin ISD Closed Mon & Tues 9/16

Angleton ISD Closed Monday, 9/15

Barbers Hill ISD Closed Monday, 9/15

Brazosport ISD Closed Mon & Tues 9/16

Channelview ISD www.channelview.isd.esc4.net/ Closed Mon & Tues 9/16

Clear Creek ISD www.ccisd.net/ Closed all Week #281-284-0027

Closed Mon & Tues 9/16

Conroe ISD Closed Mon & Tues 9/16

Crosby ISD www.crosbyisd.org Closed Monday, 9/15

Cypress- Fairbanks ISD www.cfisd.net/ Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17

Danbury ISD Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17

Dayton ISD www.daytonisd.net/ Closed all Week

Deer Park ISD www.dpisd.org/ Closed Mon & Tues 9/16

Dickinson ISD Closed Monday, 9/15

Friendswood Closed till further notice

Fort Bend ISD Closed Mon & Tues 9/16

Galveston ISD Closed All week

Galena Park ISD www.galenaparkisd.com/ Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17; employees in Maintenance, ground & custodial report if possible

Goose Creek ISD www.gccisd.net/right.htm Closed Monday, 9/15

Hitchcock ISD Closed until futher notice

Houston ISD www.houstonisd.org/ Schools & Administrative offices Closed till Wednesday 9/17; employees not report to work unless notified by supervisor

Huffman ISD www.huffmanisd.net/ Closed Mon. & Tues. 9/16

Humble ISD www.humble.k12.tx.us/ Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17

Huntsville ISD Closed Monday, 9/15

Katy ISD www.katyisd.org/ Closed Monday, 9/15

Klein ISD www.kleinisd.net/ Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17

La Porte ISD www.laporte.isd.esc4.net/ Closed until futher notice

Lamar CISD Closed Mon. & Tues. 9/16

La Marque ISD Closed Monday, 9/15 till further notice

Magnolia ISD Closed Monday, 9/15

Matagorda ISD Closed Monday, 9/15; Staff asked to report

Needville ISD Closed Monday, 9/15

New Caney ISD www.newcaneyisd.org/ Closed Mon & Tues 9/16

North Forest ISD www.northforestschools.org/ Closed Monday, 9/15

Palacios ISD Closed Monday, 9/15

Pasadena ISD www.pasadenaisd.org/ Closed until futher notice

Pearland ISD www.pearlandisd.org/pisd/default.htm Closed until futher notice

Santa Fe ISD Closed all week 9/19

Sheldon ISD www.sheldonisd.com/ Closed Mon. & Tues. 9/16; Administrative personnel will be contacted

Spring ISD www.springisd.org/ Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17

Spring Branch ISD www.springbranchisd.com/ Closed Mon. & Tues. 9/16

Stafford MSD www.stafford.msd.esc4.net/ Closed Mon. & Tues. 9/16

Sweeny ISD Closed Monday, 9/15

Texas City Closed till further notice

Tomball ISD www.tomballisd.net/ Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17

Waller ISD www.waller.isd.esc4.net/ Closed Monday, 9/15

Willis ISD Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17

Harris County Dept. of Ed.

Columbia-Brazoria ISD

9/14/2008 5:29 PM Page 2 of 2

Van Vleck ISD Closed Monday, 9/15

Universities

Lonestar College Closed Mon. & Tues. 9/16

U of H - Downtown Closed Mon. & Tues. 9/16

Rice University Closed Monday, 9/15

San Jacinto

College Closed till Monday, Sept. 22.; employees may be contacted by supervisor to come in

U of H - Main Closed Monday, 9/15

Alvin Community Colelge Closed Mon., Tues. & Wed. 9/17

Houston Community College Closed Mon. & Tues. 9/16

[editor]

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES TO RESUME FLIGHTS MONDAY AT HOUSTON; CHANGE FLIGHTS AT CONTINENTAL.COM FOR NO FEE

. continental.com provides latest flight information and operations summary

. Houston hub begins operations

. Passengers and airport employees not affected by Houston curfew

. Employees from other locations to fly to Houston to assist co-workers at hub

HOUSTON, Sept. 14, 2008 - Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) is preparing to resume mainline jet flights Monday, Sept. 15, at its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) following the carrier's suspension of operations Saturday and Sunday in Houston due to Hurricane Ike. The carrier plans to operate the vast majority of its schedule to and from IAH. The first flight is scheduled to arrive at 5:33 a.m. and the first departure is at 6:30 a.m. Continental Express and Continental Connection flights to and from the Houston hub will operate at a reduced level on Monday.

Continental employees from other domestic locations will fly into Houston to assist their co-workers in resuming operations at the IAH hub.

Normal operations will continue at the carrier's New York and Cleveland hubs.

In a message earlier today to Continental's 44,000 employees, nearly 20,000 of them Houston-based, Larry Kellner, Continental's chairman and CEO said, "I know that my co-workers have gone through many sacrifices and hardships to try to return their personal lives to normalcy after Hurricane Ike, and they've helped each other and our customers in that effort. I want to thank them for all they've done. I also want to thank our customers, many of whom are sharing the same personal and professional challenges, for taking the time and effort to express their understanding and gratitude to our team.

-more-

As always, make sure your personal safety and the safety of our co-workers and customers is your top priority."

Passengers and Airport Employees Not Affected by Curfew

The Mayor's Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security has informed Continental that the curfew currently in effect for the city does not apply to customers or employees driving or being driven to and from IAH.

Check Flight Status at continental.com

The aftermath of Hurricane Ike may force some delays and additional cancellations of scheduled flights to or from the Houston hub on Monday, and there will be modified food service on some flights. Customers are encouraged to check the status of their flight at continental.com before going to the airport. Travelers without confirmed same-day reservations should not go to IAH as the airline will not be able to accommodate itinerary changes or standby customers at the airport.

Change Flights Easily at continental.com

Customers booked on flights to, from or through the Houston hub and in the affected region are permitted a one-time date or time change to their itinerary without penalty for rescheduled travel. If a flight has been canceled, a refund in the original form of payment may be requested. Complete details are available at continental.com. The fastest and most convenient way to change travel plans is via continental.com.

Customers should enter their confirmation number and last name in "Manage Reservations."

Customers may also call Continental Airlines reservations at 800-525-0280 or their travel agent.

continental.com provides an overview of Continental operations as well as up-to-date information

regarding the status of specific flights. Automated flight status information is also available at 800-784-4444.

[editor]

WCID Fondren Road Issues "Boil Water" Notice

Effective immediately, the Fondren Road Water Control and Improvement District has issued a Boil Water notice because the quality of the drinking water may be unsafe as a result of the power outage caused by Hurricane Ike.

The District advises residents NOT to drink the water until tests determine it is safe. The District recommends using one of the following methods to treat water for drinking, cooking or washing dishes.

1. Boil water before use: Hold it at a rolling boil for at least two minutes before using it for drinking, cooking or washing food (the minutes start when the water begins to bubble). The flat taste of boiled water may be removed by shaking the water bottle or by pouring it from one container to another.

2. Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

3. Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 teaspoon - this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of plain unscented household bleach per gallon of water, and hen let it stand for 30 minutes before using. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure. Use a container with a cap or cover for disinfecting or storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination.

4. Treat water with chlorine tablets or iodine tablets. Read and follow the label instructions.

Water samples will be collected and monitored to determine when it is safe again. When the public health threat has been removed you will be notified.

RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTINUE DISINFECTING WATER UNTIL NOTIFIED THAT THE WATER IS SAFE.

[editor]

I'm going to consolidate many of the official announcements into a single thread.

Certain announcements will still be duplicated in the main Ike thread if warranted.

The original idea was to have it county-by-county, but with damage so widespread and certain announcements applying to multiple counties and cities, it might be easier to have everything in one place.

[editor]

Announced POD Locations

The following locations are Points of Distribution (POD's) supplying ice, water and meals (MRE's) for residents.

The POD sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

. Old Kroger Location, FM 2920@HWY 249, Tomball

. Greenspoint Harvest Time Baptist Church, 17770 Imperial Valley

. Community of Faith, 1023 Pinemont

. Fountain of Praise, 13950 Hillcroft

. Texas Southern University, 3600 Rosewood at Scott

. Ripley House, 4410 Navigation

. Zion Lutheran, 3606 Beauchamp

. Jim Fonteno Courthouse Annex 14350 Wallisville, Channelview

. PAL Gym, 2910 E. Southmore, Pasadena

. Baker Junior High, 9700 Spencer Highway, La Porte

. San Jacinto Community Center, 604 Highland Woods, Highlands

. West Town Mall, 4100 Decker, Baytown

. Baytown Courthouse Annex, 701 West Baker, Baytown

. Windsor Village, 6000 Heatherbrook,

. Greater Jerusalem, 8901 Jensen

. Raul C. Martinez Annex, 1001 S. Sgt. Macario Garcia

. Football Stadium, Center@San Augustine, Deer Park

. Second Baptist, 6400 Woodway

. Bay Area Community Center, 5002 NASA Road One, Seabrook

[editor]

Updated.

Announced POD Locations

The following locations are Points of Distribution (POD's) supplying ice, water and meals (MRE's) for residents.

The POD sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE POD SITE FORMERLY LOCATED AT BAKER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, 9700 SPENCER HWY, LA PORTE IS NOW LOCATED AT SAN JACINTO COMMUNITY CENTER. HIGHLIGHTED BELOW.

. Old Kroger Location, FM 2920@HWY 249, Tomball

. Greenspoint Harvest Time Baptist Church, 17770 Imperial Valley

. Community of Faith, 1023 Pinemont

. Fountain of Praise, 13950 Hillcroft

. Texas Southern University, 3600 Rosewood at Scott

. Ripley House, 4410 Navigation

. Zion Lutheran, 3606 Beauchamp

. Jim Fonteno Courthouse Annex 14350 Wallisville, Channelview

. PAL Gym, 2910 E. Southmore, Pasadena

. New Life Fellowship Church, 2104 Underwood, La Porte

. San Jacinto Community Center, 604 Highland Woods, Highlands

. West Town Mall, 4100 Decker, Baytown

. Baytown Courthouse Annex, 701 West Baker, Baytown

. Windsor Village, 6000 Heatherbrook,

. Greater Jerusalem, 8901 Jensen

. Raul C. Martinez Annex, 1001 S. Sgt. Macario Garcia

. Football Stadium, Center@San Augustine, Deer Park

. Second Baptist, 6400 Woodway

. Bay Area Community Center, 5002 NASA Road One, Seabrook

[editor]

DA Successfully Activates Emergency Intake for Ike

( Houston TX ) - District Attorney Kenneth Magidson reported that the DA's emergency Intake operations are continuing uninterrupted Monday after providing successful around-the-clock screening and processing of criminal defendants during Hurricane Ike's assault on the area.

"Effective law enforcement, especially during these critical periods, is the top priority of this Office," Magidson said. "We are pleased with the contingency planning that has enabled our Intake operations to be available, unabated, for service to police agencies and the criminal justice system."

The DA's Intake Division, headed by Assistant District Attorney Lynne Parsons, has the responsibility of screening and filing all charges for felonies and Class A and B misdemeanors. More than 100,000 cases are filed annually in Harris County .

As Ike approached the region Friday, a special team of 10 prosecutors, accompanied by support staff, assembled at the central Intake office at the Criminal Justice Center, which was closed to the public and non-essential personnel.

The team lived and worked 24/7 at the facility -- alternating in shifts throughout the storm and its aftermath to assist officers and process defendants through the preliminary stages of the justice system.

Magidson praised the cooperation of area law enforcement agencies at Intake. He commended citizens for their calm and law-abiding ways during the hurricane.

The Justice Center , which had first-floor flooding and some related damage, remained closed to the public Monday.

Magidson said regular Intake operations may resume as early as Tuesday.

Until the reopening of the Justice Center, the DA's Family Criminal Law Division advises victims of family violence to call (toll-free) 1-800-799-7233 for immediate assistance.

The County Civil Courts at Law:

Normal dockets are suspended this week.

Normal dockets will begin on Monday, September 22nd.

The county Criminal Courts at Law:

All bond cases scheduled to appear this week are reset 2 weeks to the same day (Mon, Tues, Wed. etc) Probable cause hearings have not been interrupted.

Defendants in jail are being brought before judges as previously scheduled.

[editor]

Fort Bend County Transit Service to Texas Medical Center Update

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX - Monday, September 16, 2008 and Tuesday September 17, 2008, Fort Bend County's Public Transportation Department will operate a special park and ride service into the Texas Medical Center. This service is being provided to benefit doctors, nursing and other hospital staff as well as people who need medical care.

Fort Bend County residents can access the service at the University of Houston Sugar Land Park and Ride lot located on University Boulevard and Highway 59. Morning routes will start from Sugar Land between 5:30 a.m., and 8:20 a.m. Afternoon routes will start from the Medical Center between 3:40 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.

Please note that signs are not posted at the park and ride as they were destroyed during Hurricane Ike and some of the buses being used may not have Texas Medical Center Express signs on them. Fares are $3.50 each way with exact change only. Fort Bend County Express tickets will also be accepted.

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

The City of Missouri City's debris pick-up, part of a joint partnership with Fort Bend County, will begin soon and involve three separate "sweeps." The pick-up "sweeps" in each neighborhood will take place every two to three weeks.

To prepare for the debris pick-up, residents are asked to follow the guidelines listed below:

Place debris on the public right-of-way for collection. The public right-of-way is the property area that extends from the street to a sidewalk, ditch, utility pole or easement.

Debris is to be placed on either the front slope of a ditch or at a street curb.

Do not block drainage by placing debris in culverts or curb drains since this can cause street flooding.

Vegetation debris, such as limbs and shrubbery, are to be placed on the curb and do not need bundling.

Fencing materials are to be stacked separately from other debris.

Do not place debris near any water meter vault, fire hydrant or any other above ground utility fixture.

Household garbage is to be kept separate from debris and will be picked up by the normal solid waste service provider.

Bags containing debris will not be picked up as part of the sweep and should not be placed on the public right-of-way. Bagged debris is to be picked up by solid waste service providers.

To dispose the following items, contact the Debris Management hotline, 281-238-3430, for further instructions. These items will be picked up separately.

Construction and demolition debris

Hazardous household products and tires

Household whitegoods (appliances that are properly prepared for pickup)

If all debris is not picked up during the first "sweep" or pick-up, continue to place remaining debris items on the right-of-way for collection during subsequent pick-up runs.

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

Partial List of Fort Bend County School Closures

RICHMOND, TX─ Updates for Fort Bend County school closings as of noon, Sunday, Sept. 14:

Fort Bend ISD - All administrative offices and schools are closed for Monday, Sept. 15, and Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Lamar CISD - All administrative offices and schools are closed for Monday, Sept. 15, and Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Stafford MSD -Closed for Monday, Sept. 15, and Tuesday, Sept.16.

Needville ISD -Closed for Monday, Sept. 15, and will re-evaluate on Monday.

Private School closings

Fort Bend Baptist Academy -Closed for Monday, Sept. 15, and Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Calvary Episcopal School-Richmond -Closed Monday, Sept. 15, and will re-evaluate by noon on Monday.

Holy Rosary Catholic School - Closed Monday, Sept. 15.

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

The American Red Cross has opened First United Methodist Church as a shelter. The shelter is located at 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land.

Six of the Chapter's 16 counties including Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Walker, Chambers and Fort Bend suffered storm damage from Hurricane Ike, some of it severe. The Chapter continues to support three shelters in Huntsville for people who evacuated before the storm hit.

A fourth Huntsville Shelter was opened yesterday, because many Walker County residents' homes were damaged by Ike. Today, there were nearly 1,700 residents in those four shelters. Since Red Cross began sheltering for Hurricane Ike, more than 20,000 residents have stayed in 150 shelters in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Now that that the storm has passed, the Chapter is working to set up shelters for people whose homes were damaged or destroyed. This has proved more challenging than usual. While the Chapter has about 150 shelter agreements in place, many of those facilities don't currently have electricity or water. In addition, other facilities are inaccessible at this time due to debris or road conditions.

However, the Chapter has located some appropriate facilities and will make those locations available to the public when they are opened. People can find these shelters by: Staying informed --though area Media, 211, www.houstonredcross.org and 1800 RED CROSS. Those coming to Red Cross Shelters should remember to bring any personal comfort items such as bedding, pillows, and any items for infants or the elderly, as well as any prescription medications.

In the meantime, Red Cross damage assessment teams will be driving through affected communities to determine the extent of the storm damage. Knowing how many homes are extensively damaged or destroyed helps the Red Cross estimate how much shelter space and food is needed.

Those who have evacuated should let family members and loved ones know their plans and register with the American Red Cross Safe and Well Website at www.redcross.org. This site provides a way for you to register yourself as "safe and well." Concerned family and friends can search the list of those who have registered themselves as "safe and well."

BRAZORIA COUNTY

By order of Judge Joe King Brazoria County offices will be closed on Monday September 15th 2008, Tuesday September 16th 2008, and Wednesday September 17th 2008. Only essential personnel should report to work. Contact your department director for schedule verification if necessary.

NO JURORS are to report for jury duty for the week of September 15th through September 19th for Brazoria County.

Public Notice: The County Court at Law #2 Criminal Announcement Docket set September 12, 2008 has been rescheduled for October 10, 2008 at 8:30am. Failure to appear on October 10, 2008 could forfeit your bond.

County Court at Law #4 hearings for Sept 11th and 12th have been rescheduled

Click here for more details. *

412th District Court Pre-Trail Docket for Sept 17th has been reset

Click here for more details. *

NOTICE Updated September 15th, 2008 11:00am

Brazoria County was hit hard by Hurricane Ike. Surfside was devastated by the storm. There is no flood water in the county. There are few stores open in the county. There are few gas stations with gas available. Electrical outage is very wide spread in the county. There are a lot of hungry thirsty people in the county because food and water are in limited supply. We recommend that you not try to come back to the county without checking with your city first. If you live outside a city limit, you can call Brazoria County at 979-864-1064 for information. Please call your city for information instead of the county courthouse. Each individual city can offer better information on their status than the county can. Check with your city for the availability of gas and groceries.

[editor]

Update on Road Closures and Travel Information

Local officials remind residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

If you live in an evacuated zip code, do not return to that area. The evacuation order remains in place for public safety and security-water in most of the region is not safe to drink and power has not been restored in many locations.

Most state highways are open and clear. For more information about state highways, call 1-800-452-9292.

On local streets, many traffic signals still are not functioning, while debris and downed power lines remain dangerous. Exercise extreme caution if you must get on the road.

Some of the downtown area has reopened, but some blocks are closed because of remaining fallen glass and debris.

Keep tuned to local radio stations or television for area-specific information.

[editor]

By order of the Mayor of Hunters Creek Village, a full curfew is in effect beginning Monday, September 15, 2008 at 9 p.m. Curfew hours in effect from 9 p.m. - 6 a.m. until further notice.

Persons in violation of this curfew order are subject to arrest.

[editor]

HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL CANCELED

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack's office is canceling the annual Hummingbird Festival at the Kleb Woods Nature Center originally scheduled for Saturday, September 20.

Because the festival is based on the migration timing and patterns of hummingbirds, the event will not be rescheduled, but will be held next year.

[editor]

Harris County Employees to Return to Work Tuesday

All Harris County employees who are able should report to work tomorrow, on Tuesday September 16th.

Employees whose offices are not open due to Hurricane Ike may be allowed to work from home if approved by their supervisor.

Employees who are unable to report to work must contact their supervisors to discuss how their time will be reported.

Employees who are able to report to work should contact their supervisor to determine where they are to report, recognizing that not all county buildings will be open.

The Criminal Justice Center at 1201 Franklin will not be open tomorrow.