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Update on Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike has remained on its predicted path and appears to be slowly gaining strength. Currently, Ike is a strong category 2, but could move into a category 3 hurricane by landfall. The Houston area can expect to begin seeing impacts of the storm beginning late this afternoon, with hurricane force winds expected to hit between 7-10 P.M. tonight. We will see heavy rainfall, widespread power outages and severe damage from debris.
Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from these powerful winds. Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects, like patio furniture, or bring them indoors. Turn off propane tanks and avoid using your landline phone, except for serious emergencies. Make sure you have provisions for AT LEAST 72-hours after the storm strikes, including food and water as well as other needed supplies, including a battery powered radio to get information if electricity is out. For more information on hurricane preparedness, click here. here.
Your local news stations are your best source for updated information. Stay tuned and stay informed. The following numbers and websites provide up-to-date information and assistance:
If there is any question about whether or not you should leave, call 2-1-1 for information or if you need transportation.
Harris County Call Center: 713-368-2741
Transtar: 713-881-3000
HPD: 9-1-1 (713-884-3131, non emergency)
HFD: 713-247-5000
Houston SPCA: 713-869-7722
Tracking Ike: http://www.noaawatch.gov/2008/ike.php
City of Houston Emergencies, probably the best place to find information for shelters: http://www.houstontx.gov/oem/hurricane.html
National Weather Service, Houston-Galveston Area: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx/
National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
I am working closely with Judge Emmett, Mayor White and the members of the Houston Congressional delegation to ensure that coordinated safety measures are in place. As an appropriator on the Homeland Security Sub-committee, I am in close contact with federal officials to ensure Houstonians have the resources to deal with the fallout of Hurricane Ike. Thousands of emergency responders including the Texas Task Force and regional fire departments are on hand, prepared to deal with Ike’s damage. Shelters to accommodate evacuees have been set up in Lufkin, Huntsville and Bryan College Station. Our state officials have reported that petro-chemical facilities executed planned shut down procedures and secured hazardous materials.
Please continue to use common sense and to pay attention to local media updates. Your local, state and federal officials have seamlessly put hurricane procedures into effect to keep you safe, but you are your own best protector.
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