Hurricane Ike - How's La Porte? I Evacuated and Haven't Seen Anything on TV.

I don't live in La Porte but one way to keep up with info is the news stations websites
click2houston.com (channel 2 website)
abc13.com (channel 13 website)
Good luck and be safe.

I got this email from the Lt. Gov today with info and contact numbers where you can get info.

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Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst inspects damage from Hurricane Ike with Governor Perry.

Hurricane Ike Update
General Assistance
Call 2-1-1 or, if you are calling from outside of Texas or have technical difficulties when dialing 2-1-1 from your cell/mobile, voice-over-IP, or office location phone, please dial the toll free alternate access number at 877-541-7905.

Road Conditions and Re-entry to Southeast Texas
The number to call for road conditions on state highways is 800-452-9292. Further updates can be found on the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) website at:
http://www.txdot.gov/travel/hurricane.htm
TxDOT is advising against travel to Houston and Beaumont at this time and reports that motor fuel is in short supply. Check on road conditions before you decide to return.

Power Outages and Shortages
Power/electrical information and the status of each company in the impacted counties may be found on the website of the Public Utility Commission (PUC):
http://www.puc.state.tx.us/files/ike.cfm
If you have specific questions about electrical service problems, call the PUC Assistance Hot Line at 888-782-8477.

Phone Service
AT&T is reporting that the company’s core network supporting wireless and wireline services continues to perform well. Only two of the 154 central offices in the affected area-one on Galveston Island and a small central office in Port Bolivar-are out of service. They also report that they have 2,000 technicians deployed in affected areas along with 2,800 generators in position to keep up their network in areas without power. AT&T is putting up portable cell towers and supplementing coverage in areas where the network has been damaged.

Evacuees are being supported with free Wi-Fi access at hot spots across Texas including: select McDonald's restaurants, Barnes & Noble locations, and AT&T Experience StoresSM. Free voice, data, and entertainment services are being provided in large evacuation centers.
For more information, call AT&T customer support at 800-331-0500.

Gas Outage or Leaks
To report a natural gas leak or emergency, please call 800-959-LEAK (5325), if you are a Texas Gas Service customer.

If you are a CenterPoint Energy Customer, call 800-722-9326.

If you are uncertain, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Do not assume your local gas company is aware of the problem, especially after a natural disaster.

If you smell gas, leave the area immediately. Do not use your phone, electric switches, computer, or anything that could cause a spark. Go directly to a safe location.

Tax Help
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has created a one-stop webpage for hurricane-related tax information. The Comptroller’s Hurricane Ike information page is located at:

http://www.window.state.tx.us/disaster

Coastal Reconstruction
Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has put emergency rules into place to allow coastal property owners to begin immediate work to stabilize structures and begin repairs caused by Hurricane Ike.

The rules are available at:

http://www.glo.state.tx.us/res_mgmt/coastal/pdf/Ikeemerge...

Property owners can contact the Texas General Land Office at 800-998-4GLO.

Insurance Issues
If you need information, have a complaint, or can’t locate your agent or company, call the toll-free TDI Consumer Help Line at 800-252-3439.

The Consumer Help Line is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Federal Assistance
Residents who have uninsured losses due to Hurricane Ike, should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.fema.gov/assistance/register.shtm.

Disaster Assistance from the American Red Cross
If you have immediate emergency needs for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care or you wish to make a donation to support the victims of Hurricane Ike, you can visit one of the local offices of the American Red Cross or call the toll-free number at 800-RED-CROSS. You may also visit the website to donate to the Red Cross to assist with disaster relief at http://www.redcross.org/.

As for me, I would stay away. The stories are so sad about the people who are there, standing in line for hours for MRE's (prepared meals) for maybe one day, running out of gas as well as waiting 1 and 1/2 hrs. to get it at skyrocket prices, and that's for those who have generators. Still no running water or ice in most places, no electricity, nothing. I would definitely not take my children back in those conditions not to mention the unsafe conditions that come with mosquitoes, mold, bad sewers, possible contaminated water and that's when diseases set in like malaria and others. I don't want to scare you, but that's what was seen after Katrina and it just goes with the territory. I know you want to know about your house, I would too, but you and your children's health are way more important! We are all sending food and water and helping how we can to get it back to normal quicker. Please be patient and God bless. Hope this helps a little. L.

I'm in Austin (Cedar Park) and haven't heard anything....If I do hear anything specific, I'll post it here.
Good luck to you and your family!!

C. SAHM of 4 boys.

This may not be MUCH help, but my our friends live in Deer Park and they were able to return home yesterday. I read online that this morning, some people were trying to get home to Seabrook and were "met by a road block" and not allowed in. So my best advice would be to contact La Porte officials and ask when they are planning to let people back in. Good Luck!!!!

P.S.- if you have internet access log on to abc13.com. They are covering it very well.

I also have family from La Porte. We had one family member stay behind and he has been given us updates. It's better to stay where you are at. There is no food at the stores and no electricity. Home Depot and all other stores are out of generators. The smell is horrible and mosquitos are a huge problem! Also, gas stations in and around the Houston area are short on gas, some are waiting an hour and a half. Try visiting the local food bank and visiting the FEMA web site. I am taking my family here to Austin to get help with assistance. They should be able to help. Oh yeah one more thing, they are also having trouble with the sewer systems. It's not worth taking your kids into miserable conditions.

You can call the local police department or fire department and ask them. Give them your address in La Porte and ask if you can return home. They will be able to tell you which areas are safe and which ones aren't.
I hope everything works out well for you. God Bless.

Hello S., We live in Deer Park - we are part of LaPorte. My children go to school in LaPorte.
No school for awhile. You can check out LPISD regarding school. Our high school had water up to the windows. Most of LaPorte has no electric. We got direct hit. Correct about police - it depends on where you live. Can you call a neighbor.. Where do you live.... by the High School?

Mostly no power and trees down. We live by East and Pasadena. The weather is cool and tomorrow is to be 65.
I hope this helps you.

Your neighbor
E.

I'm from Deer Park and evacuated to Lexington, TX (near Austin). A couple of my friends live in LaPorte and as of last night were still being told that they could not return to the city yet. There are some neighborhoods that officials have not even been able to get to yet. It is being reported that the restoring of power could still be 2-4 WEEKS.

Parts are flooded and heavy wind damage but that is all I ahve heard. WE live in Spring near the Woodlands and are in Austin. Power just came on at our house in Spring but no use in going back until there is food and gas.

You're better off where you are for now.

My Aunt lives on Rustic Gate off of Underwood and they had power restored at 4:30pm this afternoon. However, it's hard to get groceries and gas right now. I'd wait a few more day's until more power is restored and the infrastructure is back up & running. Blessings.

The news tonight (Sun Sep 14, not Mon Sep 15 as in the date above), evacuees of La Porte were being asked to not return yet. I checked to see if the city web site is back up with further information and found nothing which is probably bad news. I am in Friendswood and our web site remains active.
Hope that helps you with your decision. Most schools are shut down for a few more days and I am sure La Porte is the same. Having 3 kids, you might be better where you are at for a few more days.

I've heard lots of la Porte has some pretty severe damage and quite a bit is flooded.

104 krbe is giving updates you call the show and they give you the answer or will find out and anounce it on the radio for you which I know that doesn't do you any good but they also have text updates they will give you on your area if you call them and sign up for it.

They arent letting people back into Houston you could go as far up to Rosenburge or Sugarland. Which is the other side. I heard they were asking people not to return till Tuesday or Wendsday but those things change. There must be a way to find out. Try calling the news station up there and asking them how to know and perhaps they would do a little story on it. I know our small news station is always looking for suggestions! Hope you find your answers. If you have phone numbers to the fire stations I would think they might know something. Good luck. Glad you were safe.

Hi S.,
I was watching channel 11 last night & they showed pictures from there. I'm sorry to say its really bad in La Porte. I'm in Houston (Meyerland area) & luckily we do have power back & cable & Internet. Some homes have been destroyed down there & at the yacht club there are boats on the lawn. I don't know specifically which neighborhood in La Porte they were showing but it was horrible. If you have access to Internet I recommend www.khou.com or www.abc13.com if you are needing more info feel free to send me a private message & I'll try to look it up or at least keep listening for more info for you on TV. This goes for anyone else out there who may need info on Ike too. I know a lot of homes are without water too. My prayers are with you.
Sincerely, A.

My dear S. no one can go back. I live in Vitoria it took us 5 hrs. to get back and nothing happen there ( we went to LDO).Maybe you can call he police dept. But you are rigth no lites, no gas(for cooking nor cars),no drinking water.Good luck! we'll pray for you and yours.

Hi S.. I also live in LaPorte and went home today to survey the damage. Not sure where in LP you live, but here's the basics of what we experienced for damage - Lots of trees and fences down, broken windows, no power (of course) power lines down on Spencer and Fairmont Pkwy. Water source is compromised right now since they can not get to the water treatment plant. LPISD - all school is suspended indefinitely - they need to assess the schools(especially the High School)

You really won't believe it, but there is an airplane split in half sitting on Spencer at Farrington by the airport.

I have pics that I took this afternoon that I will be happy to share. IM or email me at ____@____.com

BTW...looks like we will be able to go back home probably Wednesday.

Hello S.: I am in Marshall, TX but we have an office in La Porte and from what I gather there is still no power; water comes and goes. They have curfews in certain areas but I am asking one of our people if you can get back in or not. Email etc is not always reliable today but i will let you know as soon as she says if they are letting people in or not

Try Google Earth - you can actually google your address and see your house - I believe real time - it is pretty cool! Good Luck!

I just got an update on LaPorte. No one is allowed back in, no gas, power, water, etc. The schools are closed indefinetly. If you are staying with family please stay. Anything west of Beltway 8 is a total mess and they are still under curfews at night. Just keep checking in and I'm sure all of us mom's can keep you informed.
Good Luck to you and my families prayers are with you.

I just saw on the news that the city of La Porte is being allowed to return home. I don't know if the power is back on or anything, but I saw that message scroll along the bottom of the TV screen. I hope you get back soon and that you don't have too much damage. Best of luck to you!

My father lives there and his house was just fine. His fense blew down, that was the only thing. His power was turned back on Monday and it sounded as if the businesses in the area are being resupplied and have electricity.
I hope you are as lucky. My prayers go out to you all.