This page is ordered chronologically from bottom to top...earliest announcements are at the bottom and the latest announcements are at the top.
September 19-26, 2005
Hurricane Rita
Monday 6:30 - Kemah and CLS Water Quality: OK. Several news stations have reported that Kemah and CLS residents should boil their water. Kemah Fire Chief Larry Suniga would like you to know that per WCID 12 our water is fine and does not need boiling prior to consumption.
Saturday 22:00 - Galveston Co Office of Emergency Management has announced that the cities of Kemah and Clear Lake Shores are allowing residents to return to their homes and businesses, with a stern warning – you may have no electricity, gasoline or other necessities.
Additionally, there likely will be no hospital open in the county for several days.
Be aware that a dusk to dawn curfew is in effect.
Friday 18:00 - With the storm upon us, if you have not already evacuated, many experts are advising local residents to shelter in place. Please be safe.
Thursday 15:00 - IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, PLEASE EVACUATE NOW! DO NOT LET TRAFFIC DELAYS DISCOURAGE YOU FROM LEAVING.
KEMAH FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY OPERATIONS WILL CEASE THIS EVENING (THURSDAY) AT 6:00 PM.
MOVE TO SAFETY IMMEDIATELY!Tuesday 18:00 - Voluntary Evacuation began at 6pm today in Kemah and Clear Lake Shores. Mandatory Evacuation is scheduled to begin at 6pm on Wednesday. Please read below what this means. A City of Kemah State of Emergency (for Eminent Disaster) has been declared and the Kemah Emergency Response Plan is being implemented.
Shelter: The Lufkin shelter, which has been set up for our evacuation corridor, opened it's doors this evening at Lufkin High School. If/when LHS fills up, Carpenter's Way Church is the next shelter. Special needs evacuees are being sheltered at the Civic Center. There are plenty of other shelter sites on standby if the need arises.Monday 3:30 - With a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico, it is imperative that we all pay close attention to the news. Of primary concern is the recommendation or order for evacuation.
Keep in mind that while there are many fine sources for weather information these days, radio station KTRH 740 AM is Houston's designated emergency information channel.
Voluntary Evacuation Order: If a voluntary evacuation order has been issued, we encourage you to leave as soon as possible. Under a voluntary evacuation order you may take any route you see fit to safety. You can go wherever you want to go. Evacuation routes will not be location specific. You can take virtually any highway available to you.
Mandatory Evacuation Order: If a mandatory evacuation order has been issued, we urge you to take it seriously and leave as quickly as possible. If a mandatory evacuation order has been issued, you may only leave the area via routes established by the State of Texas. The evacuation route for Kemah and Clear Lake Shores residents is North along Highway 146 to Lufkin where shelters should be available. (Hwy 146 to 321 to 105 to 69 to Lufkin) Evacuation Route Map
Evacuation orders (if deemed necessary) are scheduled to be issued 72 hours prior to landfall. This means the evacuation assessment should be confirmed by Wednesday.
If you are going to need assistance evacuating, dial 211. Call 211 now and let them know that if an evacuation order comes, you will need help evacuating. 211 can match you with help if they know in advance that you have a special need.
Prior to evacuating:
- Secure all loose objects in your yard
- Secure your Home
- Evacuate or shelter your pets
- Make sure you bring any medications you may require
- Check your vehicle: Top off fuel tanks, check all fluids, check tires
See also: NOAA National Hurricane CenterThe whole point is to save lives, not to interfere.