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Ike: Important Announcements


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Harris County's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, in coordination with emergency management partners, has established a call center for residents to call with standared preparedness questions in advance of Hurricane Ike.

The call center is open until further notice.

RESIDENTS WITH STANDARD PREPAREDNESS QUESTIONS SHOULD CALL 713-368-2741

(Spanish speaking phone bank operators are available)

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JUDGE EMMETT DECLARES STATE OF DISASTER IN HARRIS COUNTY DUE TO HURRICANE IKE

Declaration Prevents Price Gouging, Grants Emergency Powers

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett declared a "state of disaster" in Harris County this morning, granting him wide-ranging powers to control evacuations, rescue efforts and the closure of county facilities. In addition, the declaration prevents local merchants from taking advantage of Hurricane Ike by charging exorbitant prices for emergency supplies.

Harris County Attorney Mike Stafford said the declaration allows his office to file suit against merchants or contractors who charge exorbitant or excessive fees. Stafford's office may also seek penalties up to $20,000 or, if the victim is over 65, up to $250,000. Stafford recommends that consumers who believe they are being overcharged keep all receipts and file complaints with his office after Ike has passed.

The state of disaster remains in effect for seven days, unless extended by Commissioners Court.

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CONTINENTAL AIRLINES PREPARES FOR HURRICANE IKE

Customers traveling to impacted cities may reschedule without penalty; continental.com provides latest flight information and operations summary

HOUSTON, Sept. 11, 2008 - Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) continues to monitor Hurricane Ike as it moves toward the Texas Gulf Coast.

Weather conditions may force some delays and cancellations of flights to selected cities along the Texas coast through the weekend, including at the Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Go to continental.com for an updated list of affected cities.

Travelers with itineraries to, from or through the Houston hub from Friday through Saturday should consider accelerating, postponing or rerouting their trip to avoid possible inconvenience caused by an interruption to flight schedules.

Travelers without confirmed reservations should not go to Bush Intercontinental Airport as the airline will not be able to accommodate standby customers.

Customers booked on flights to and from the affected region will be 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.

An overview of Continental operations as well as up-to-date information regarding the status of specific flight continental.com can be obtained at continental.com. Automated flight status information is also available at 800-784-4444.

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The following school districts and colleges have announced closures related to Hurricane Ike:

School Districts:

Aldine ISD all classes canceled Friday; all extra-curricular activities canceled for weekend

Alief ISD all after school activities and events canceled Thursday; all classes canceled Friday

Alvin ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Angleton ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Anahuac ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Barber's Hill ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Bay City ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Boling ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Brazosport ISD: all classes canceled Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Brazos ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Calhoun County ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Channelview ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Clear Creek ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Cleveland ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Columbia-Brazoria ISD: all classes canceled on Thursday, Friday

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD: all classes canceled on Friday

Dayton ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Danbury ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Dickinson ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Deer Park ISD: all classes canceled Friday

East Bernard ISD all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

East Chambers ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

El Campo ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Fort Bend ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Friendswood ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Galveston ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Goose Creek ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Hardin ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

High Island ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Hitchcock ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Houston ISD: all classes canceled Friday; all athletic events, field trips canceled Thursday, Friday and weekend.

Huffman ISD : all classes released early on Thursday, canceled Friday

Hull-Daisetta ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Humble ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Huntsville ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday and Monday

Katy ISD: all after school activities, except YMCA After School, canceled Thursday, all classes canceled Friday, all activities scheduled for Saturday and Sunday canceled

KIPP Schools: all classes will dismiss at 3 p.m. Thursday, all classes canceled Friday and Monday

Klein ISD: all classes canceled Friday

La Marque ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

La Porte ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Liberty ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Magnolia ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Matagorda ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Montgomery ISD: all classes canceled Friday

New Caney ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Onalaska ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Palacious ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday, Monday

Pasadena ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Pearland ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Santa Fe ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Sheldon ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Shepherd ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Spring ISD: all after school activities canceled Thursday, all classes canceled Friday; all activities scheduled for Saturday canceled

Sheldon ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Spring Branch ISD: all classes canceled Friday

Stafford MISD: all classes canceled Friday; all extra-curricular activities Thursday - Monday canceled

Sweeny ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Tarkington ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Tomball ISD: all activies canceled Thursday, classes and activities canceled Friday

Texas City ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Van Vleck ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Wharton ISD: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Colleges:

Alvin Community College: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

DeVry University Houston: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Brazosport College: all classes canceled after 10 a.m. Wednesday and all day Thursday, Friday

College of the Mainland: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

Galveston College: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Houston Baptist University: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Houston Community College: all classes at all campuses canceled Friday, Saturday, Sunday

ITT Technical Institute - Webster: all classes canceled after noon Thursday, all classes canceled Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Lee College: all classes canceled after 5:30 p.m. Thursday, all classes canceled Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Lone Star College System: all campuses close at 3 p.m. Thursday; all classes canceled Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Sam Houston State University: all classes canceled Friday; parent's weekend activities canceled

San Jacinto College: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

South Texas College of Law: campus will close Friday and reopen Monday

Texas A&M University at Galveston: all classes canceled after 5 p.m. Wednesday and all day Thursday, Friday

Texas Woman's University: all classes canceled after noon Thursday; all classes canceled Friday, Saturday

Texas Chiropractic College: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

University of Houston-Clear Lake: all classes canceled Thursday, Friday

University of Houston-Main Campus: all classes canceled after 5 p.m. Thursday, all classes canceled Friday, Saturday, Sunday

University of Houston-Victoria: closed as of 10 p.m. on Wednesday and all day Thursday, Friday

Wharton County Junior College: all classes, activities canceled Thursday, Friday

Other Closings

Ben Taub General Hospital: All day surgeries, elective surgeries, outpatient therapy and specialty and outpatient clinic appointments will be canceled Friday

Blood Drive at National Guard Armory: 15150 Westheimer Parkway, Canceled Friday

Community Health Program: Neighborhood health centers, school-based clinics and homeless shelter clinics will be closed Friday.

Houston Museum of Natural Science: Closed Friday, Saturday

Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospitals: All day surgeries, elective surgeries, outpatient therapy and specialty and outpatient clinic appointments will be canceled Friday

Porte of Call - Music & Art, La Porte: Canceled this weekend

Quentin Mease Community Hospital: All outpatient services and physical and occupational therapy will be canceled Friday

Social Security Offices in Houston, Angleton, Conroe, Galveston and Pasadena: Closed Thursday, Friday.

University of Houston Football Against Air Force: Moved to Dallas

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The College will close today at 3 p.m. and be closed on Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13 except for essential personnel. Faculty, staff and residents judged to be essential to an affiliated institution should follow the Emergency Management Plan in effect for the affiliated institution in which they are located. All classes are canceled until Monday, Sept. 15.

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Due to Hurricane Ike the City of Houston Municipal Courts will be CLOSED on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 and SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2008. Individuals who have court settings will be given the opportunity to reset their case(s).

Resets will be given IN PERSON, at ANY CITY OF HOUSTON COURT LOCATION, beginning MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, through FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008. Please check the Court's website shown below for all Court locations.

THERE WILL BE NO JURY SERVICE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. Individuals who are scheduled for jury service on Friday, September 12, 2008 will be rescheduled and will be notified by mail of their new date.

FOR MORE weather-related announcements and information:

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City of Houston 311 Answers Calls for Houstonians Needing Transportation Assistance

The City of Houston 311 center has received over 1,300 calls since 6 a.m. from people requesting assistance and information regarding evacuation from Hurricane Ike. Currently, the request for evacuations is limited to a small number of Zip codes in low-lying areas in east Houston and east Harris County.

Officials of the 311 department are asking if you do not live in one of the zip codes that are in the evacuation area, then please refrain from your calls. Operators need to place the highest priority on those who live in the zip codes that will be most affected by the storm.

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MAYOR CALLS FOR VOLUNTARY EVACUATION

09.10.2008 - 10:30PM

Hurricane Ike poses a serious threat to Shoreacres.

Official weather forecasts predict high winds will arrive very early Friday morning making travel by afternoon unsafe. As Hurricane Ike moves inland on Saturday the City could experience winds greater than 60 miles per hour with a significant possibility of tornadoes. Power outages are likely.

Heavy rain fall and predicted tides of 9 to 11 feet will flood large areas in and around Shoreacres.

Preparations for this dangerous storm must be rushed to completion.

All residents are strongly encouraged to evacuate early Thursday prior to the onset of Friday's severe weather conditions. Citizens who need help, can get assistance evacuating if they call City Hall before 10 a.m. Thursday morning.

This is a voluntary evacuation request, but may become a mandatory evacuation order at anytime should Hurricane Ike continue to pose a life threatening danger to Shoreacres.

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MAYOR CALLS FOR VOLUNTARY EVACUATION

09.10.2008 - 10:30PM

Hurricane Ike poses a serious threat to Shoreacres.

Official weather forecasts predict high winds will arrive very early Friday morning making travel by afternoon unsafe. As Hurricane Ike moves inland on Saturday the City could experience winds greater than 60 miles per hour with a significant possibility of tornadoes. Power outages are likely.

Heavy rain fall and predicted tides of 9 to 11 feet will flood large areas in and around Shoreacres.

Preparations for this dangerous storm must be rushed to completion.

All residents are strongly encouraged to evacuate early Thursday prior to the onset of Friday's severe weather conditions. Citizens who need help, can get assistance evacuating if they call City Hall before 10 a.m. Thursday morning.

This is a voluntary evacuation request, but may become a mandatory evacuation order at anytime should Hurricane Ike continue to pose a life threatening danger to Shoreacres.

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Harris County District Clerk

As Ike nears . e-Filing continues, jury duty to resume Monday

The closure of Harris County buildings on Friday due to Hurricane Ike means the Friday jury call has been canceled and the District Courts and the County Criminal Courts at Law will be closed Friday.

It is expected that the District Clerk's Office will resume normal operations on Monday, Sept. 15, District Clerk Theresa Chang said. Persons summoned for jury duty Monday are expected to respond. Please monitor the news media for any change in this guidance.

Persons summoned for service Friday will be reset to another date.

The Harris County District Clerk's Child Support Office also will be closed on Friday. Designated staff in the District Clerk's Probable Cause and Criminal Intake sections will report to work Friday.

The District Clerk's Web site, www.hcdistrictclerk.com, will operate from a backup site starting sometime Friday.

Throughout Hurricane Ike, e-Filing will be available through TexasOnline. Although filers may not get a receipt from the District Clerk's Office as quickly as normal, the filing time will be recorded as the time the filer sends the document to his Electronic Filing Service Provider.

The 24-hour drop box at the northwest corner of the Civil Courthouse, 201 Caroline, will be open as always.

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CONTINENTAL AIRLINES TO REDUCE HOUSTON HUB FLIGHTS

DUE TO HURRICANE IKE;

CHANGE FLIGHTS AT CONTINENTAL.COM FOR NO FEE

HOUSTON, Sept. 11, 2008 - Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) is implementing a flight schedule reduction at its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) for Friday and Saturday in anticipation of deteriorating weather conditions caused by Hurricane Ike. Similar flight reductions are also anticipated at other select Gulf Coast and Texas destinations. Normal operations are planned at the Newark Liberty and Cleveland hubs.

A reduced flight schedule will take effect on Friday, Sept. 12 at IAH. Most mainline jet departures should operate normally until early afternoon on Friday. After that time, Continental does not expect to operate mainline jet flights at IAH.

Continental Express and Continental Connection regional airline flights will be suspended earlier on Friday, starting between mid-morning and mid-day.

No Continental, Continental Express or Continental Connection flight operations are expected at Houston on Saturday.

Continental has plans to reactivate the hub on Sunday morning, Sept. 14, although some flights on Sunday will remain subject to cancellation.

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

Checking Flight Status

Go to continental.com to obtain the status of any particular flight. Travelers should check the status of their flight immediately before going to the airport to confirm that it is operating. Travelers without confirmed reservations should not go to Bush Intercontinental Airport as the airline will not be able to accommodate standby customers.

As announced earlier today, travelers with itineraries to, from or through the Houston hub from Friday through Saturday should consider accelerating, postponing or rerouting their trip to avoid possible inconvenience caused by an interruption to flight schedules.

Customers booked on flights to and from the affected region will be 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.

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My brother was due to fly in from Japan on Saturday, but he got the following email a few hours ago:

Weather conditions may cause the delay and cancellation of flights to select cities along the Gulf Coast and throughout Texas this weekend. This includes Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Customers traveling to, from or through the Houston hub the weekend of Fri., Sep. 12 through Sun., Sep. 14 should consider re-scheduling their trip to avoid possible inconvenience.

We are experiencing long hold times at our reservations center. Customers are encouraged to change their reservations at continental.com with their confirmation number. Continental is waiving most fees usually associated with changing flights that will be affected by Hurricane Ike. These details may be found on the Important Notices page at continental.com.

We are updating our Web site as new information and updates are received. Please check back often for the status of our operation.

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The State of Texas State Operations Center (SOC) received a report of an evacuation of DPS Communications in Texas City, Galveston County. DPS Texas City Communications is evacuating due to Hurricane Ike, and will be stationed at the DPS Regional Office in Houston. (DPS Texas City) (Region Sub 2A)

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All of Galveston Island is now in a Mandatory evacuation starting at 12:00 noon.

The streets of downtown Galveston are already flooded from storm surge. Higher ground is still dry, but downtown is described as looking kind of like Venice.

...and for those of you who recall my reporting from Galveston during Edouard, it may be meaningful to you that all of the garbage cans have already been knocked down.

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EMERGENCY OFFICIALS URGE RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR TORNADOS

(Harris County, TX) - With Hurricane Ike heading towards the Gulf Coast, Harris County emergency officials are urging residents to prepare for potential tornados in the area. Remain alert for approaching tornados. Watch the sky and stay tuned to radio and television broadcasts for updated information and warnings.

Harris County residents can get information and preparedness tips on our Web site at www.hcoem.org.

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The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, along with its partner agencies at Houston TranStar, is working to protect the lives and safety of residents in the region affected by Hurricane Ike. Below is a list of changes in preparation for Hurricane Ike.

Shelter In Place

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett strongly recommends that residents shelter in place for the duration of the storm. "Shelter in place" means that residents should remain at their current locations until the storm has passed.

311 Services Closed-Dial 911 Instead

311 services have ceased operation. Residents who are in the evacuation zone and need help evacuating should dial 911.

Metropolitan Transit Authority

METRO is closed and will continue to be closed on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. METRO will evaluate road conditions on Sunday to determine when they will restart service. For more information on METRO services, customers are encouraged to check METRO'S Web site at www.ridemetro.org or call 713-652-8960 or 713-635-4000.

Flash Flood Warning / High Water Locations

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the area. After the storm has passed, residents can go to Houston TranStar's web site for a list of reported high water locations -- http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/roadclosures/ .

George R. Brown

The George R. Brown Convention Center has concluded evacuation efforts.

Important Numbers

Emergency Services - 911

Harris County Call Center - 713-881-3100

American Red Cross - 713-526-8300.

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Galveston OEM

"It's not safe to be out on the roads anymore."

Galveston County Judge

Curfew county-wide at 5pm Friday until "dawn" Sunday morning.

Curfew at "sunset" Sunday evening until "dawn" Monday.

"Get off the streets. Quit sight seeing."

National Weather Service

Eye is 60 miles across - "quite unusual for a hurricane of this intensity."

Probably going to land as a strong category two storm.

Dramatic increases in water height will come with high tide.

Backfront surge is 9-10 feet right now. Expecting 12-16 feet.

15-20 foot tidal surge expected in Galveston Bay.

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HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE ED EMMETT, MAYOR BILL WHITE ENACT A CURFEW

FOR PORTIONS OF HARRIS COUNTY AND HOUSTON IN THE

MANDATORY EVACUATION ZONE

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Mayor Bill White enacted a curfew for those portions of Harris County and Houston within the mandatory evacuation zones listed below:

o 77058

o 77059

o 77062

o 77520

o 77546

o 77571

o 77586

o 77598

o 77507

These areas were evacuated earlier because of high water expected as a result of Hurricane Ike.

Curfew is in place for the following days and times:

7 p.m. - 6 a.m.

Friday night - Saturday morning

Saturday night - Sunday morning

Anyone found outdoors in the mandatory evacuation area during curfew may be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

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