Officials Urge Evacuees To Stay Put
FROM THE DOPPLER 10 FORECAST CENTER… A HEAT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES UNTIL 7 PM FRIDAY… McLENNAN, WILLIAMSON, AND SAN SABA…AFTERNOON HEAT INDEX VALUES TODAY AND FRIDAY WILL RISE TO BETWEEN 105 AND 110 DEGREES...WHILE OVERNIGHT LOWS TONIGHT WILL STRUGGLE TO FALL BELOW 80 DEGREES…PERSONS INVOLVED IN VIGOROUS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ARE URGED TO TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER…
Officials Urge Evacuees To Stay Put Save Email Print

A | A | A

(September 14, 2008)—Federal, state and local emergency management officials Sunday were all urging the hundreds of thousands of coastal residents who headed inland in advance of Hurricane Ike to stay where they are.

“This hurricane has caused devastation across areas of Texas and Louisiana,” said David Paulison, Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“We need everyone’s cooperation to keep passable roads clear and to prevent those returning from placing additional burdens on the limited shelter, food and water in the heavily impacted areas,” he said.

FEMA says it may be weeks before power is restored to some areas and cautions that residents who try to return prematurely may encountered blocked and washed out roads, downed power lines and flooded road crossings.

“We know people are anxious to return home, but we are asking for everyone’s patience in waiting for the all clear,” Paulison said.

“Our greatest concern is the safety of Texas and Louisiana residents, first responders and rescue workers.”

The Texas Department of Public Safety Sunday was specifically urging residents from the Orange area to wait before returning.

“The area has suffered a great deal of damage, power is out and DPS troopers and other first responders are still performing search and rescue missions,” DPS said.

“Staying out of the area until roads have been cleared and the area has been secured is safest for all concerned.”

In Houston, officials warned that streets are very hazardous and that most of the city's gas stations don't have any fuel.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said Sunday that most traffic signals were out and many roads were still obstructed by tree limbs, fallen power lines or high water.

He said trucks were on their way to replenish the city's gas supply, but that the fuel that does arrive will first be used for generators at medical facilities.

Houston Mayor Bill White urged people to stay off the roads, especially because more rain overnight added to roadway problems.

The City of Friendswood Office of Emergency Management issued a statement that advised evacuees “to seek other accommodations outside of the affected area.”

Electric power is out, food and fuel aren’t available and schools are closed until further notice, the statement said.

As in Houston, a dawn to dusk curfew is in effect in Friendswood.

Texas Governor’s Office

FEMA

FEMA Disaster Help

Family Registry and Locator System

Red Cross Safe & Well Site

Donate To Texas Responds

Donate To The Red Cross

Donate To The Salvation Army


More Stories
Drug Testing Ordered For Mother Of Murdered Mexia Boy

5-Year-Old Shooting Victim Identified

Manhunt Underway After Violent Central Texas Assault

Swine Flu Claims Life Of Temple Woman

Texas Man Charged With Capital Murder In Infant Daughter’s Disappearance

One-Car Accident Claims Life Of 35-Year-Old Central Texas Man

Teenage Texas Counselor Hacks Opossum To Death

Five Die Thursday When Train Hits Car

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
10 On Your Side
Answers from our experts on topics that affect YOU.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Full-Time Physical Therapist - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Full-Time Physical Therapist in our Pediatric Rehabilitation Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage and benefits plan. Join Metroplex in “Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ”.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com:
View More Jobs.