Emergency Management

Emergency Management Coordinator

Tom Merchant, 281.326.2658

Emergency Management Assistant Coordinator

Frank Coppola, 281.326.2161

For current Emergency Management Information, click here

Page Topics

Hurricane Evacuation: A Difficult Decision you have to make - May 2008

By: Tom Merchant (Note: This is a reprint of Tom's article for the May La Ventana del Lago)

This month’s article focus’ on the complex issues facing those living in the coastal areas and on those who have to give forecasts, recommendations and eventually the call for mandatory evacuation. Much of what is in this message has been taken from an article by Bill Read (formally with the Houston/Galveston National Weather Service (NWS) and now the head of NOAA in Florida). It was published in the workbook for the 2007 NWS Hurricane Workshop.

One of the major variables in the decision making process for the call to evacuation is “Uncertainty in Forecasting.” Beyond 24 hours there is a degree of uncertainty in forecasting of the path a storm takes and the intensity. If the steering currents are strong and well “behaved” then forecasters have a little more confidence. Tricky storms to predict are those that develop quickly, most often those that develop in the Gulf, and intensify very rapidly. To put this into perspective, decision makers need to make the call for a mandatory evacuation about two days before landfall. Landfall means the arrival of tropical force winds (40 mph) on the coast. Also note that the average track error in 2007 was about 65 statute miles. For Rita the two day error was about 130 miles. Not too that each time a decision to wait is made we all lose 6 hours since this is the time delay in getting new weather information.

Communication of weather and evacuation information is another complication we encounter mainly because of the almost instantaneous media coverage. What we try to do is get the right message to those in need of it first but as all of you know once it hits TV then everyone starts to move. The result being that no matter how well we try to plan and coordinate it is a lot like herding cats across a river. I feel that a lot of progress has been made in this communication process by using pagers, conference calls, and e-mail and community call systems such as the one we use in El Lago. Many of the cities south of us are using the same system so we all can “selectively target” those in the most extreme coastal areas.

The demographic and infrastructure issue also complicate evacuation. Since the 1983 storm (Alicia) the Houston/Galveston/Brazoria area has grown by 1,200,000 people and is still growing. It is now estimated that along the upper Gulf Coast and Galveston Bay areas there are 850,000 people who are subject to storm surge flooding. Most category 3 and for certain all category 4 & 5 storms about 1,000,000 people will be evacuating. This is the reason for the somewhat utopian goal to have everyone evacuate in coordinated phases. The plan is to first evacuate those living in the immediate barrier island communities followed by mainland communities in the surge zone by using zip codes.

The success or failure of evacuation depends in a large part on each and every one of you and in being prepared. Decide now under what circumstances you would evacuate. Keep in mind that if you stay and the mandatory evacuation order is given and you have decided to stay then remember you will be alone. Most especially what I mean is that no rescue personnel will be available; no medical people will be here since the hospitals will be closed; chances are cell phones won’t work nor will land lines. You should determine the conditions under which you will leave and then make plan of action. Next month I will provide a check list that can assist your preparations. This will also be posted on the City Web site. As you determine the conditions under which you will leave, consider the following about the hazards associated with hurricanes and use this in evaluating when you will stay or evacuate:

1. Wind – First, pressure on a wall increases by the mathematical square of the wind speed. If wind speed were to increase by three times, the resulting wind pressure on a wall will increase by nine times. A 25 mph wind will produce about 1.6 pounds per square foot of pressure. So the force on a 4’x8’ sheet of plywood would be about 50 pounds. If the wind speed increases three times to 75 mph then the force on the plywood would increase by 9 times to 450 pounds. Second, wind speed generally decreases about 50% within 12 hours of landfall. This means that fast moving storms will result in higher wind forces further inland than slower moving storms.
2. Tornados – Most tornados occur in the right front quadrant of hurricanes. For us that will mean storms making landfall to our southwest will give us a high probability of tornados.
3. Storm Surge – This is water pushed toward the shore by the force of the wind around the storm. It combines with tide levels to produce inland flooding. The level of the surge is determined by several factors including storm size, and the speed of the storm.
4. Inland Flooding – Flooding inland comes from rainfall and in general the amount can be predicted by dividing 100 by the storms speed. For a storm moving at 10 mph you could expect a 10” rainfall. Slow moving storms will produce the most rain and from above they will also result in higher wind forces just inland from the coast and more opportunity for more surge water which will combine with the rainfall.

I sum up with what you can expect from me and how I arrive at my recommendation. It starts the minute a storm of any size seems like it will enter the Gulf or develops in the Gulf. E–mails go out to all emergency management coordinators and phone conference calls with the state and NWS are established. Initially these are once a day until our area falls in the probability of impact. The purpose is to get updates from the NWS and to set up local conference calls so those EMC’s in Harris and Galveston Counties (and several other surrounding counties) can begin to activate our coordinated plans and our timing decisions.

From these calls and meetings enough information will be gathered so I can meet with the mayor and give a recommendation. A message will then go out using our call system to advise first a voluntary evacuation (my aim for this is to give you time to get out ahead of the crowd and use routes you choose) and at the same time I will let you know when I expect the mandatory evacuation order will be given. Once this mandatory order is given you then will not have the option on what route you want to follow.

I hope this helps you in putting together your plans.

Hurricane Season is almost here - April 2008

With the approach of the hurricane season it seems appropriate to review the weather terms associated with storms:

Tropical Disturbance – A closed low pressure circulation at the surface with winds up to 39 mph

Tropical Storm – A closed low pressure circulation at the surface with winds in the range between 39 to 73 mph.

Hurricane – A close low pressure circulation at the surface with winds in excess of 74 mph. Hurricanes are further broken down into five levels:

1. Level 1 – Winds between 74 and 95 mph with storm surge of 4 to 5 feet above normal
2. Level 2 – Winds in the range of 96 to 110 mph with storm surge in the range of 6 to 8 feet
3. Level 3 – Winds in the range of 111 to 130 mph with storm surge in the range of 9 to 12 feet
4. Level 4 – Winds in the range of 131 to 155 mph with storm surge in the range of 13 – 18 feet
5. Level 5 – Winds in excess of 155 mph and storm surge greater than 18 feet

The significance of the storm surge is relative to ground elevation. For example, if your elevation is 17 feet above normal tide and a surge of 18 feet is predicted then you could expect to have one foot of water on your property.

Hurricane Watch – This means that a hurricane may threaten the area within 24 to 36 hours

Hurricane Warning – This means that hurricane force winds or high tides and seas are expected to strike the area within 24 hours.

As the emergency management coordinator I like to focus on giving facts to you that will better prepare you for emergency situations. However, currently there are three issues that I feel strongly about and encourage each of you to be come knowledgeable about and voice your opinions to State and local leaders:

1. Final plans and funding for improvements to SH 146 are of critical importance for evacuation efforts. As I currently see things there is not enough urgency on this project which is what I said last year and no further emphasis has been put on this issue.
2. Changes to Repsdorph are also in my judgment very important.

As I have done in the past, more of the hurricane activities will be put in the May issue.

Severe Storm Awareness Week and more - March 2008

Although a little late in timing, the week of Feb. 24 – Mar. 1 was designated as “Severe Weather Awareness Week” in Texas. Emergency management does play a role in this effort and what took place was a mock tornado warning for all 23 counties in southeast Texas. The mock warning was conducted by the Houston/Galveston NWS for the purpose of practicing our emergency operation plans for tornadoes. Thus far I have not heard any hurricane predictions but have been notified by the NWS that this year is expected to be another difficult year for wildfire. Forecasters are saying the conditions will be dry and windy very similar to the winter of 2005-2006 which was one of the worst fire seasons in Texas history. For more information you can visit the Texas Forest Service Web sit at http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/.

Here is some good advice I recently saw and thought it worthy of passing along. Some of this I have been doing for years:

1. Do not sign the back of credit cards instead put “Ask for Photo ID”.
2. When writing checks to pay credit card bills, do not put the entire card number in the memo space just the last four numbers.
3. Put your work or cell phone number on printed checks rather that your home number.
4. Never put your social security number on your checks; you can add it if needed. Personally I have been refusing to give it out at all.
5. Make photo copies of the contents in your wallet. Both side of credit cards and drivers licenses. In the event you lose your wallet you will have immediate access on who to call. Also if your wallet is stolen, you should file a police report immediately; call the three national credit reporting organizations and the Social Security fraud line. Here are the numbers:
1. Equifax - 1.800.525.6285
2. Experian - (formerly TRW) 1.888.397.3742
3. TransUnion - 1.800.680.7289
4. SSA fraud line - 1.800.269.0271

Fire Awareness

By: Tom Merchant (Note: This is a reprint of Tom's article for the February La Ventana del Lago)

Normally in February I like to raise your awareness of fire safety, in particular home fire prevention and detection. Also this year I am going to write a little on pipeline safety. Taking detection first, if you do not have smoke alarms – get them! If you do then check them, replace batteries or if you have a home monitoring security system then give it a test. Notify the monitoring company first so you do not create a “false alarm” but I would check to be sure everything works. Also, with this current cold spell and the use of furnaces and other supplemental heat sources, be aware of the signs and conditions for carbon monoxide.

Here is a twelve point check list for fire protection in the home. There are more but this will get you started:

1. Keep matches out of reach of small children.
2. Candles are nice but be sure they are placed so as to not cause a fire; also make sure you put them out.
3. Be certain that light bulbs are the correct wattage for they fixture. Look for and replace frayed, cracked or broken electrical cords.
4. Do not overload electrical outlets
5. Conduct a family fire drill and discuss evacuation routes and a place to meet after exiting.
6. Be sure appliances are working right, keep stove tops clear of items that can catch on fire
7. Check for gas leaks.
8. Check GFI’s.
9. Keep hair driers and curling irons away from flammable items and unplug when not in use.
10. Don’t smoke in bed – better yet, quit smoking.
11. Unplug electric blankets when not in use.
12. Change air filters and check to be sure the outlet from your clothes drier is open.

That’s a quick twelve point check list, now a topic I’ve not addressed in the past but because of where we live I feel it worth thinking about. Also I get a lot of information on Pipe Line Safety. I am confident that 99.9% of you are aware of the fact that we are literally surrounded by underground gas transmission pipelines. That’s the good, the bad and the ugly that we live with but may not often think about. The good we benefit from the products carried and they enhance our quality of life. The bad is the potential for mishaps. The ugly is when something does happen. What follows is a list of what to look for that may give an indication that something may be wrong:

1. Hissing or blowing sounds
2. Dirt blowing or a dust cloud
3. Persistent bubbles in water
4. Odor
5. Flames
6. Dying vegetation
7. Fog or a cloud around vents

Action to be taken: call 911 from a safe distance and report what you observe. More information on pipeline safety can be found on the Texas Evacuation Safety System, Inc (TESS) Web site at www.digtess.org.

Winter Weather and Holiday Safety - December 2007

By: Tom Merchant, Emergency Management coordinator (Note: This is a reprint of Tom's article for La Ventana del Lago)

Winter storms have and can impact our area so it seems advisable to begin to think along those lines. So far this year it seems that we are under the influence of La Nina weather pattern which means that it will be (on average) warmer and dry for us. That does not rule out coastal wet spells or cold spells but they will not be long lasting. With this in mind, here are a few tips:

1. Pay attention to wind chill factors – at 40 degrees, a 15 MPH wind on bare skin is equivalent to 32 degrees.
2. Power outages can happen (and it seems to me we get them often) so check batteries, flashlights; have extra bottled water and follow weather reports.
3. You also may want to carry some extra things in your vehicle such as water, non-perishable food and a blanket or extra clothing.
4. Make sure your vehicles are winter prepared: antifreeze, water levels, tire pressures, battery terminals, etc.
5. Look at items around the house like exposed water pipes, drain hoses; have your heaters checked for winter use and the fireplace (and chimney).
6. Be sure your pets are ok.
7. Good time of year to check smoke alarms.
8. Be aware of the causes of carbon monoxide particularly if during a cold spell; your use supplemental heating devices.
9. Do your usual due diligence with regard to burning decorative candles, lights on Christmas trees and those nice little food warmers for keeping side dishes warm.

Stay safe, be happy and enjoy family, friends and good food.

Emergency Management update - November 2007

By: Tom Merchant, Emergency Management coordinator (Note: This is a reprint of Tom's article for La Ventana del Lago)

With some confidence I can say another hurricane season is behind us. But I would note that Ann Vernon (City Secretary) and I recently looked at those who have signed up for the city call service. Although all land lines are in the data base, only 10% of residents have registered cell phones and/or e-mail contact information. My encouragement is to have you provide that contact information. This would be of big benefit to you in letting you know when to return in the event of an evacuation of any sort.

Houston Transtar has added sensor coverage that provides real time traffic conditions. Some provides info as far as 100 miles from downtown Houston. This real time info is available at www.traffic.houstontranstar.org, for a desktop or other Internet-connected mobile device. Public access by using a mobile device can use mobile.houstontranstar.org. So from Huntsville to Galveston, Orange to Columbus and Schulenburg and up US 290 west to Hempstead, we can see traffic conditions.

We are now well into the new school year – so watch out for our youngsters while they walk and bike to and from school. Being retired I have the opportunity to drive around our city at all times of the day and too often I see a lot of speeding and rolling stops. Drive with caution please.

This is also the time of year for a lot of hunting activities. Most hunters I know understand and practice sound weapon safety. However, reminders for heightened awareness I believe are good. Be sure all weapons are in good working order, keep firearms out of reach from youngsters, use trigger locks, keep ammunition in a different place from guns and educate your children about the safety principles.

Recently I received a brief from the “National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense.” The subject was West Nile Encephalitis (WNE); this is the mosquito–borne virus that can cause an inflammation of the brain tissue in both animals and humans. I point this out since many in the city have horses or may be involved in raising farm animals for school projects and for those who hunt migratory birds. For further information, check the Center for Food Security and Public Health.

Harris County announces evacuation procedures and routes

On May 21, 2007, Harris County Commissioners announced the plans for evacuation procedures and evacuation routes. These plans are for large Cat 3 and above storms.

Evacuation notification is to be a multi county coordinated effort using four classes of zip codes. The main purpose is to first evacuate those people who live along the flood prone low areas on the coastal waters. The seven zip codes in this area are designated “Zip-Zone Coastal” and include Brazoria, Harris and Galveston Counties. The next notification will go to those who live in the in the surge zone. This is the “Zip-Zone A” group which includes 77586, THIS IS US. The remaining two zip zones will follow. The big emphasis is that you should run from water and hide from wind.

The main evacuation routes during a mandatory evacuation, that will be under the control of TxDOT and the Highway Patrol, will be I-10 West to San Antonio, SH 290 to Austin, I-45 to Dallas and SH 59 to Nacogdoches.

Details of this information, including maps, can be seen on the Harris County Office of Emergency Management web site, www.hcoem.org.

Three other informational items:

1. Individuals who have special needs assistance during a mandatory evacuation should notify City Hall.
2. The City is entering into a contract with Connect CTY which is a community wide notification system.. You will be seeing more information on this in the next few weeks. Your home numbers will be put in the data base automatically. If you choose you can also have unlisted numbers put in, cell phones or an e mail address. Look for the request for this information.
3. The City is also in the process of securing contracts for debris removal and a system to monitor the removal.

Weather Terms to Know

• Hurricane Advisory: A early warning system will prepare you for a hurricane strike well in advance of hurricane watches & warnings.
• Hurricane Warning: If the danger materializes, a hurricane warning will be issued. This means that the storm has a great likelihood of directly affecting your area in 24 hours of less. Heed calls to evacuate if necessary. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
• Hurricane Watch: An announcement of specific coastal areas that a hurricane or an incipient hurricane condition poses a possible threat, generally within 36 hours. Plan your time now.
• Storm Surge: A large dome of water up to 100 miles wide that sweeps across the coastline near where a hurricane makes landfall.
• Storm Tide: The actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the storm surge.
• Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclonic (counter-clockwise) circulation with sustained surface wind speed up to 38 mph.
• Tropical Disturbance: A disturbed area of thunderstorms, tropical in origin, which is evident for 24 hours or more.
• Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclonic circulation with sustained winds of 39 mph to 73 mph.
• Tropical Storm Watch: An announcement that a tropical storm poses or tropical storm conditions pose a threat to coastal areas generally within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch should normally not be issued if the system is forecast to attain hurricane strength.

When a Hurricane Threatens

• Purchase the recommended emergency supplies and place in an easy-to-access location.
• Store drinking water in anything that is clean: bathtubs, bottles, pots, etc; the water supply may become contaminated.
• Put all important paper documents, including photos, in zip lock plastic bags, and place in a portable container, such as a suitcase. It makes it easy to take with you if an evacuation is needed.
• Move important and valuable items, such as electronics, to the second floor or a high shelf to protect them from water.
• Check all battery-powered equipment. Emergency cooking facilities, lights and flashlights will be essential if utilities are interrupted.
• Secure outdoor objects that may be blown away or uprooted. Bring in all unsecured items from the outside, such as lawn chairs and barbecue pits. Place the items inside a garage.
• Plan for pets. Be sure their collars with identification are on. Check with the hotel you plan to stay at to ensure pets will be allowed.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up each window of your home. Tape is not enough to reduce the risk of broken glass.
• Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
• Have additional cash on hand for emergencies since ATM's may be out of service.
• Fill your vehicle's gas tank and make sure it is working properly.
• Make sure you have enough prescription medicines to outlast a storm and its aftermath.
• Use a video camera to record your home and property. It will serve as a record for the insurance company if a claim is filed.
• Listen to the advice of local officials and evacuate if they advise you to.
• Make sure you know your evacuation route. Figure out where you will go and how you will get there.
• More information can be found at prepare4disaster.com or the Houston Red Cross Web site.

Hurricane Safety Tips

Secure Your Home:

• Close and board up windows
• Remove outside antennas
• Bring in lawn furniture, toys, tools, and garbage cans. Tie down items that cannot be brought in
• Tie down propane tanks
• Turn off gas, water and electricity before you leave
• Brace garage doors
• Place boats on trailers, place near home and fill boat with water
• Lock all windows and doors
• Make arrangements for pets. If you take your pet, bring a kennel and leash

Evacuation Tips

• Keep your vehicle in good repair with a full tank of gas
• Check on friends and neighbors who may have special needs
• Take a disaster supply kit
• Persons in low-lying areas, towing boats, trailers, drive motor homes and those with special needs should leave early
• Designate a meeting point for your family should you get separated
• Have a cell phone, CB radio or other form of communication
• Limit use of cell phones for emergencies only
• Monitor local radio and television
• Don’t take unnecessary items
• Take a list of emergency contact numbers

Disaster Supply Kit

• Mechanical can opener
• Three day supply of food and water. One gallon of water per day per person
• Bedding or sleeping bags
• Bleach
• Mosquito repellant
• Extra prescription medication or refill information
• First aid kit
• Eating utensils
• Tarp, rope, duct tape
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc)
• Toilette paper, baby wipes
• Change of clothes
• Battery operated radio AM/FM and fresh batteries
• Flashlights
• Extra keys
• Extra eyeglasses or prescription information
• Special items such as hearing aid batteries

Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness Guide (printable)

Hurricane Evacuation Questions and Answers

How do I know when to evacuate?

• Listen to local news, radio or television.
• Be ready to follow recommendations of local officials.
• Follow storm development

Who should consider leaving before hurricane evacuation becomes mandatory for the general population?

• Those in low lying or flood prone areas.
• Those who have concerns about the structural stability of their homes, i.e. trailers or mobile homes.
• If you plan to tow a boat or trailer or drive an RV.
• People traveling with young children, elderly family members or people with special needs.

What should I do if I need help to evacuate?

• Preferably make arrangements with family, friends or neighbors.
• Call 211, to make arrangements or city hall or Lakeview Police, but don’t wait to call -- do it now.

What items are not allowed in public shelters?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Firearms or other weapons
• Non prescription drugs

How do I know where to go in an evacuation?

• Generally you wan to move away from the coastal area and well inland
• If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel make reservations as soon as it becomes apparent that you will evacuate
• Look for public shelter hubs along evacuation routes, they can direct you to shelters
• Use local visitor centers as a source of information
• Be sure to have an alternative site in case you cannot get to you first choice

Hurricane Evacuation Information

During recent past months, new developments have taken place that should influence your thinking when putting your emergency plans together.

• Mandatory Evacuation is now law in Texas.
• The Texas Department of Public Safety in conjunction with county and city police departments implemented a “STORM EVACUTION TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN.”
• The Red Cross implemented a “SHELTER MANAGEMENT PLAN.”

What residents can expect to hear from El Lago City Officials concerning necessary actions to be taken due to impending severe storm impact on our city:

First, “STORM IN THE GULF” notices will be posted on the City Web site and at City Hall, once a storm enters the gulf.

Next, if conditions change and storm-damaging circumstances seem likely to hit El Lago, a “VOLUNTARY EVACUATION NOTICE” will go out. This should be the time to evacuate. The goal is to give residents time to be ahead of those evacuating from areas south of El Lago.

• Notification will be posted on the City Web site, at City Hall and will be broadcast through local TV and radio. KTRH is El Lago’s chosen station.
• Residents will be notified with a phone call through the Network Early Notification System (NEWS or referred to as Reverse 911.) Residents who do not have a landline may register (at city hall) two cellular phone numbers that will be added to the emergency notification list. To Register cell numbers go to City Hall or for more information call the City Secretary at 281-326-1951 x12.

Finally, “MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERS” will go out, simultaneously with other area governmental entities. Enforcement of the Traffic and Shelter Management Plans will then be set in motion.

Managed Sheltering of Evacuees

Much has been accomplished in the area of providing shelter for large numbers of evacuees. The results are summarized below:

• Shelter hubs are pre-identified areas along evacuation routes that are at least 145 miles from the coast. They are centralized geographical areas that will be able to provide large quantities of mass care resources before, during and after a storm.
• Hubs would be activated 72 hours before arrival of tropical storm force winds (40 mph) hit the coast.
• Shelter Center hubs will be set up to process evacuees and send them to a shelter capable of providing the appropriate needs.
• These centers located along the evacuation routes at rest stops or Transportation Travel Centers will be opened. The key purpose will be to send people to a shelter having the capability to address specific needs, i.e. health, disability, pets, etc.
• Restrooms, emergency vehicle repairs and emergency fuel will be available.
• The hubs will be in San Antonio, Austin, Bryan College Station, Nacogdoches and Lufkin. Special needs hubs will also be activated in Temple, Tyler and Waco. The special needs hubs have been established to accommodate individuals who may need help due to strokes, respiratory problems, diabetes and other forms of health concerns. For further information go to www.disaster-research.us.

Get Connected with... El Lago Connect CTY Emergency Notification System

The City of El Lago will be using the Connect-CTY notification service to send residents and businesses important emergency information such as an evacuation, utility problem or missing child. It can also be used to communicate relevant city-wide civic announcements. PARTICIPATION IS 100% FREE.

Please accept our invitation to participate in this great communication network. With the Connect-CTY service, we can contact you by your home phone. Additionally, YOU can customized the service to also be contacted via cell phone, email or PDA. This may be especially important if you are away from your home during an emergency event such as in an evacuation.

To customize your contact information with your cell phone, email and/or PDA, please go to El Lago’s web site at www.ellago-tx.com. Click on the Connect-CTY icon and you will be linked to a page where your additional contact information can easily be entered. If you do not have access to a computer, call the City Secretary at 281-326-1951, ext. 12 to have your information customized for you.

The first test message will be sent out on June 27, 2007. This test will introduce the Connect-CTY service and announce the City’s 4th of July Celebration. If you do not receive a call on your home phone or other device you have added through the web-site, contact the City Secretary at 281-326-1951, ext. 12.

Reverse 9-1-1 System

Harris County's Neighborhood Early Warning System (NEWS) along with the City of El Lago implemented a system that has the capability to provide early warning to citizens of emergency and/or hazardous situations such as:

• chemical spills
• hazardous weather conditions
• explosions
• Amber Alert

NEWS utilizes the 9-1-1 database, which is the most accurate database available. It is updated multiple times each day and includes both published and unpublished telephone numbers. The warning would be given through telephone calls generated by the system to every telephone number in the 9-1-1 database, within a designated danger area.

Authorized city personnel are able to contact the Network's Command Center to request activation of NEWS for a specified area, whether it is one block or the entire city, and for a specific emergency situation. Either a prerecorded or real-time voice message will be created for use in various emergency situations. If the resident is unable to answer, NEWS will leave a message.

Important Links

Harris County Office of Emergency Management
Galveston County Office of Emergency Management
Governor's Division of Emergency Management
Texas Road Conditions
Houston Area Real Time Road Conditions
Houston Area Real Time Construction Schedule
Department of Homeland Security
National Hurricane Center
AWS Hurricane Net
National Weather Service - Houston / Galveston
National Weather Service - Corpus Christi
National Weather Service - Lake Charles
The Weather Channel
AccuWeather.com
Intellicast.com

Emergency Numbers