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Public Information Officer Cory Stottlemyer Houston Office of Emergency Management Hurricane Season Begins June 1; Citizens Encouraged To Be Prepared and Stay Alert

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner and the City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urge residents to prepare for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from Saturday, June 1, through Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019.

Our location along the Gulf Coast, in combination with our status as one of the nation’s industrial centers, leaves us vulnerable to many natural and human-caused hazards. Prepare you and your family today by following a four-step preparedness process: make an emergency plan, have an emergency kit, be informed about disasters, and help members of your community prepare themselves.

Make an Emergency Plan

The first step in preparing for disasters is to make a plan. Have a plan for what you and your family will do in an emergency. Consider how you will communicate with each other, where you will meet, and who you can leave messages with out-of-state if you can’t reach people locally. Learn more about preparing a plan: http://www.readyhoustontx.gov/prepare-today/make-a-plan/.

Houston residents who might need additional help in evacuating during a disaster can visit the OEM website to learn more about the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), which allows residents to provide information on their specific situation to emergency management officials who will work to help them evacuate safely, or provide them with the appropriate life-sustaining help they need in a disaster: STEAR Program

Have an Emergency Supply Kit

After you have your plan, start building a kit. Houston residents should have what they need to be on their own for 5-7 days following a storm. This includes food, water, medications, and individual needs such as medical devices or pet supplies. The City of Houston Disaster Preparedness Guide (DPG) is updated annually and provides information about emergency planning to Houston residents. The Guide is available in six languages for download: http://www.houstonoem.org/request-preparedness-materials/

Stay Informed

If you stay informed, you’ll know when disasters are going to strike. Know where to go to get updated information, including local television and radio, as well as official websites such as:

Official Social Media Channels:

City of Houston Emergency Information:

City of Houston Office of Emergency Management:

The City of Houston offers emergency alerts through the AlertHouston emergency notification system. People who live or work in Houston can receive emergency notifications via email, text message and through a mobile app from six different categories:

  • Emergency Incidents (such as hazmat situations or law enforcement activity)
  • Severe Weather information
  • Major Traffic & Transit Interruptions
  • Missing People (AMBER Alerts & Silver Alerts)
  • Information regarding Special Events & Planned Drills
  • Recovery information for people impacted by a disaster (such as the flooding from Hurricane Harvey or Tax Day)

Register for alerts today at www.alerthouston.org.

Know your Neighbors

Your neighbors can be a great source of help immediately after a disaster. Get to know your neighbors, particularly those too elderly or too ill to independently plan or prepare themselves for a disaster. By knowing your neighbors ahead of time, your community will work better as a team when disasters strike.

For more information about helping your neighborhood get ready for hurricane season, visit www.houstonoem.org/preparedness-are-you-ready

Make a Plan | Ready Houstonreadyhoustontx.gov

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Hurricane season will officially begin on June 1, 2019 and will end on November 30, 2019.

The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is an ongoing event in the annual formation of tropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere. The season will officially begin on June 1, 2019 and will end on November 30, 2019. These dates historically describe the period each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin and are adopted by convention. However, tropical cyclogenesis is possible at any time of the year.

Don’t be caught off guard. Prepare now by gathering medical supplies, food, water and tools that will help you weather any storm.
Visit ready.gov to learn how to keep your family safe.

Here is more information from one of our local TV channels:

KHOU Channel 11 Severe Weather Guide 2019

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P O O L T I M E !

As a refresher and for our new residents, below is The Enclave’s Community Pool rules. Hope everyone enjoys the new, resurfaced pool!

Swimming Pool Rules:

Pool keys are available from Community Asset Management.  Contact Vickie Cain, 281.852.1155.

  1. No pets allowed inside the pool area.
  2. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed
  3. No smoking allowed inside pool area
  4. No loud music or excessive noise of any kind
  5. Put all trash in containers provided
  6. Keep gates and restrooms closed and locked at all times.  This also applies while you are inside the pool area
  7. Any child 14 years of age or younger must be accompanied
  8. All guest must be accompanied by a resident at all times
  9. Appropriate swim wear required
  10. Parties of 15 or more must call Community Asset Management at 281.852.1155 and register their function.  A lifeguard arranged by Community Asset Management and paid for by the homeowner will be required.
  11. May-Sept pool hours are 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.  Other hours are 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.  Anyone caught in the pool after hours will be suspended for the remainder of the season and trespassing charges will be filed against that person or persons
  12. Tots in diapers must wear rubber pants over any type of diaper
  13. The pool is reserved for the exclusive use of the residents of Kings Crossing The Enclave and their accompanied guests

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RAIN EVENT RECAP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 2019
Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008 districte@houstontx.gov

Rain Event Recap
Houston, TX – Council Member Dave Martin would like for residents to be aware that thanks to reports made to our office there has been a policy change to the Houston 311 system. After previous major flood events like Harvey and the Tax Day flood, the city created event-specific service request numbers in 311 to collect city-wide flooding and storm debris data for FEMA reporting. Last week’s storms were not as widespread, but still generated localized flooding and storm debris. This created some confusion among 311 operators on how to record flooding and debris reports.   Since storms are becoming more frequent, and even a relatively small storm can produce severe results, thanks to the diligence of the District E office, 311 is making the flooding and storm debris service requests permanent. This means that anytime anyone reports flooding or storm debris, whether it’s a Tax Day or just a Tuesday, Houston 311 will create a service request number and send it to the appropriate department to process. As this is a new change, please continue to report any issues with 311 to the District E Office by calling 832-393-3008. As of today, this policy change has been shared with all 311 agents.

The heavy rainfall event that occurred May 7 – 9 was a slow-moving storm system that resulted in two rounds of heavy rainfall that severely impacted the northeast and southeast Harris County region. District E communities that were impacted by these rain events include Kingwood, Huffman, Crosby, in the Lake Houston Area as well as Sagemont, and Home Owned Estates located in Clear Lake/Southeast Houston.

The rain that occurred on May 7 produced a one-hour rain rate of 4 inches at US 59 on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River. At FM 1485 on the East Fork of the San Jacinto River a six-hour rainfall rate of 7.9 inches was recorded. At Horsepen Creek and Bay Area Boulevard a twelve-hour rain rate of 5.4 inches was recorded. During that same twelve-hours a rain rate of 5.8 inches was recorded at Armand Bayou and Genoa-Red Bluff Road.

Two days later on May 9 lower rainfall rates were experienced which did not exacerbate flooding issues over the weekend. The one-hour rain rate at US 59 on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River was 1.8 inches and the six-hour rain rate at FM1485 on the East Fork of the San Jacinto River was 2.2 inches. On May 9 at Horsepen Creek and Bay Area Boulevard a twelve-hour rain rate of 4.9 inches was recorded. During that same twelve-hours a rain rate of 5.4 inches was recorded at Armand Bayou and Genoa-Red Bluff Road.

During this rain event, intense rainfall rates greatly exceeded internal and primary drainage systems capabilities resulting in significant and at times deep street flooding and sheetflow that was especially evident in the Kingwood area on Tuesday afternoon. On May 8, City of Houston contractors, as well as Harris County Flood Control, investigated their designated drainage systems and determined the flooding was potentially caused by development upstream in Montgomery County that sent large volumes of sheetflow into the subdivision and Taylor Gully (G103-80-03-1), which is maintained by Harris County Flood Control. 

The City of Houston contractors have reviewed several thousand feet of sanitary sewer and storm water drainage lines since May 8 that have shown no blockages or debris. This lack of blockage and debris points to again the system being overloaded due to the amount of rain that was experienced in a short period of time. If you feel that your area was impacted by a possible drainage blockage please report that to 311 and follow up with an email to the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov). Harris County Flood Control has continued to be active in the area reviewing their open channels for debris and has been working  to remove as quickly as possible.   Since last week the City of Houston has identified over 380 residences with structural flooding and storm debris, over half those cases were entered by District E staff. If you are beginning to make repairs to your home, please ensure the appropriate permit has been obtained from the Houston Permitting Center. By state law, all electrical work requires a permit and must be completed by a licensed electrical contractor. For questions, contact Electrical Inspections at (832) 394-8860.   Permits are not required for the installation or replacement of thermostats and grills that are part of the HVAC system. Permits are required for all other mechanical work. For questions, contact Mechanical Inspections at (832) 394-8850.   Permits are not required to replace bathroom or kitchen faucets, ballcocks or water control valves, garbage disposals, or water closets. Permits are required for all other plumbing work, including sinks. For questions, contact Plumbing Inspections at (832) 394-8870.   For homes located in the floodplain, you must contact the Floodplain Management Office prior to making any repairs at (832) 394-8854. For information on flood damage repair requirements, visit floodplain.houstontx.gov. The City of Houston’s interactive mapping system can help residents find their estimated Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or 500 year flood elevation for their property online here (must use internet explorer), instructions to navigate this site can be found here.   The Houston Permitting Center Main Office is located at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas, 77002 and open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   Applications can be routed from the Kingwood and Clear Lake Satellite permitting offices to the Main Office for customers not wanting to drive, but the process will be greatly expedited if the customers are informed beforehand of the Flood Department’s requirements and expectations.

  • Kingwood Satellite Office at 3915 Rustic Woods, Kingwood, Tx 77339, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Clear Lake Satellite Office at 1335 Regents Park Drive, Suite 130, Houston, Tx 77058, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In advance of Hurricane Season, which begins on June 1, it is crucial that residents know and understand that flash flooding can occur at any time and it is strongly recommended that all residents take precautions like preparing emergency kits  and purchasing flood insurance. Please keep in mind that flood insurance does not go in to effect immediately and has a 30-day waiting period between the purchase date and effective date.   Please contact the District E office by phone (832) 393-3008 or email districte@houstontx.gov with any questions.

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PROPERTY OWNERS SHOULD PREPARE FOR LOWER LAKE LEVELS

City of Houston Houston Public Works
Parks & Recreation
Joint Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 05/17/2019
HOUSTON –  Houston Public Works will lower Lake Houston by
6 inches on Monday, May 20th to allow contractors to begin a
rehabilitation project on the dam. Lake Houston will be lowered
another 6 inches on Tuesday, May 28th following Memorial Day
weekend, for a total of 1 foot. Work on the dam will continue
through the end of the year. 
 
The levels in Lake Houston will naturally return to full and require
lowering to 41.5 feet to continue the rehabilitation project.
Property owners should be prepared, as advance notice may not
be possible. 

Separately, if Lake Houston is above 41.5 feet and the National
Weather Service predicts greater than 3 inches of rain within a
48-hour period, the lake may be temporarily lowered to 41.5 feet
before the storm. It takes 24-hours to lower Lake Houston by
12-inches. Lake Houston has a normal pool elevation of 42.5
feet. To monitor current water levels at Lake Houston, visit:
www.coastalwaterauthority.org

Property owners should secure property along the shoreline.

For more information on the Lake Houston dam rehabilitation
project, contact Erin Jones.  


ABOUT HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS
Houston Public Works (www.HoustonPublicWorks.org) is the
largest and most diverse public works organization in the country,
responsible for creating a strong foundation for Houston to thrive.
Houston Public Works is responsible for streets and drainage,
production and distribution of water, collection, and treatment of
wastewater, and permitting and regulation of public and private
construction covering a 627-square mile service area. Houston
Public Works is accredited by the American Public Works Association.
Facebook & Twitter: @HouPublicWorks Contact:
Erin Jones  |  Public Information Officer
Office: 832-395-2530
Cell: 713-853-6073
Erin.Jones@houstontx.gov

Alanna Reed | Communications Director 
Office: 832-395-2455
Cell: 713-899-0165
Alanna.Reed@houstontx.gov

Estella Espinosa | Communications Manager 
Office: 832.395.7022
Mobile: 832.465.4782
Estella.Espinosa@houstontx.gov
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Hamblen Road Repairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2019   Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008 districte@houstontx.gov

Houston, TX – Council Member Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood residents aware Houston Public Works will begin repairs to the wash out on Hamblen Road, between Redbud Lane and Bonnie Glen Lane, May 15, 2019. The wash out occurred as a result of last Tuesday’s storm. The repairs include complete reconstruction of the roadway. 

The contractor has completed mobilization and has equipment on site as of today. Crews will be working during the daylight hours, and will not be working weekends. The work will begin May 15, and is expected to be completed within four to six weeks, weather permitting. Residents may experience an increase in noise levels because of trucks and equipment in the area.

Council Member Martin would like to thank the Houston Public Works, Houston Police, and Houston Fire Departments for their quick response to the scene following the collapse. These departments placed barricades at the site and monitored the location to keep individuals from driving through the collapsed roadway. 

For additional information, please contact the District E office by emailing districte@houstontx.gov.

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Upcoming Rainxiety Event – Tuesday, May 21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2019
Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008 districte@houstontx.gov

Houston, TX – City Council Member Dave Martin would like to invite residents to an upcoming free group therapy event being hosted by Allied Mental Health, PLLC that will focus on flood victims dealing with anxiety. The event is called “Rainxiety” and will take place on Tuesday, May 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the Kingwood Community Center, located at 4102 Rustic Woods, Kingwood, TX 77345.   The event will include several volunteers and counselors available to assist flood victims directly, as well as a presentation by Psychologist, Dr. Marty Lerman who will volunteer some helpful methods to cope with anxiety.

The District E Office thanks Allied Mental Health, PLLC for the opportunity to share this event with the community and encourages all residents to attend. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Allied Mental Health, PLLC by calling (281) 812-3322.  

The District E office can be reached at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov  

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Lake Houston Mouth Bar Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 26, 2019  

Contact: Jessica Beemer (832) 393-3008 districte@houstontx.gov

Lake Houston Mouth Bar Update Houston, TX – Council Member Dave Martin would like to make Kingwood and Lake Houston area residents aware the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has authorized the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to remove sand and siltation from the Lake Houston mouth bar.   In October 2018, the USACE began removing debris from the San Jacinto River that was deposited during Hurricane Harvey. This project was designated as a FEMA Mission Assignment (DR 4332) and directed the USACE to restore the river to pre-Harvey conditions. DR 4332 has removed debris from three out of four identified sections of the San Jacinto River, and this project is due to be completed in May. The mouth bar, which was identified as the fourth section, was not included in the scope of work for DR 4332.   Last month, the application for the additional dredge material disposal site, as well as mouth bar removal, were submitted by the City of Houston, for review by the USACE and FEMA. The State of Texas, the City of Houston, as well as multiple stakeholders from the Lake Houston area, requested expedited consideration for FEMA to authorize a Mission Assignment for the debris removal and dredging of the mouth bar while the equipment is still in the river.

At a meeting last week in Austin, FEMA issued a directive of Mission Assignment to the USACE for dredging of the mouth bar at the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. FEMA has been working with TDEM, the City of Houston, and USACE to determine the amount of silt deposited at the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston attributable to Hurricane Harvey.  The calculation is expected to be finalized next week, and dredging is expected to begin within thirty (30) days.    A huge thank you to our federal partners Congressman Dan Crenshaw, Field Representative for Congressman Crenshaw, Kaaren Cambio, Congressman Kevin Brady, Senator Ted Cruz, and Senator John Cornyn for their support as they have all been meeting regularly with FEMA and discussing this project. Additional thanks to our local partners, Jenna Armstrong and Mark Mitchell from the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce for coordinating another successful letter writing campaign.   This is a huge project for our area and it would not be possible without the on-going support and push from Governor Greg Abbott and Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), as well as Mayor Sylvester Turner and Stephen Costello, Chief Recovery Officer – City of Houston.   With questions, please contact the District E office by emailing districte@houstontx.gov or calling (832) 393-3008.

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Harris County Homeowners Hit by Harvey can apply for funds, reimbursements

HARRIS COUNTY

A portion of the $2.3 billion set aside by U.S. Congress for disaster recovery in 2018 has made its way to Harris County.

Harris County Commissioners Court accepted more than $909 million in federal funds at a January 29 meeting to help homeowners repair and rebuild homes that were damaged during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 and to reimburse homeowners who made repairs out of pocket.

The funds were made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and will be distributed over the coming months, according to a statement released by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

As of January 29, homeowners can apply for consideration for funding online at www.harrisrecovery.org. Funding will be distributed across six housing programs, including a program to assist with home repairs and rebuilds for homes damaged during Harvey and a home buyout program for low-income homeowners.

Daphne Lemelle, the executive director of the Harris County Community Services Department, said a resource department is also on hand to connect homeowners who do not qualify for funding to nonprofits and charitable organizations.