(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.

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