We hope the information on this page will keep you up to date on the latest information regarding Hurricane Ike as it relates to the Port Arthur, Golden Triangle Area.  We hope the information on this page will be helpful to our citizens who are still in Port Arthur and those who have evacuated town due to the Hurricane.  If there is anything that you would like to see added to this page please email me and I will try to get the information added.

Please check back often as this page will be updated as new information becomes available.

God Bless each of you and please continue to pray for our safety
families and the safety of the citizens of Southeast Texas!  

Click here to see various photos of devastation from Hurricane Ike

POINTS OF DISTRIBUTION SITES IN PORT ARTHUR
Times of operation are 9A- 6P

A FEMA - Disaster Recovery Center is scheduled to open at 1:00 p.m. , Wednesday, September 24, 2008.   

LOCATION: 1006A Port Neches Avenue at the Wright Building .  

HOURS: 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Public parking is available in the rear of the old bank building directly across the street from the Wright building.  Access to parking can
be gained from Nall Street (Hwy 365).

Take caution while in downtown Port Neches due to construction in progress at the Wright Building and in the area from Hurricane Ike.

 HELPFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

**** THE WATER IN THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR IS SAFE TO DRINK ****

*** Sabine Pass residents need to boil their water until further notice ***
*** Pleasure Island residents do not currently have water or sewer services ***

** Jefferson County has lifted the mandatory evacuation order **

The Samaritan’s Purse Operations Center is located in the parking lot behind the Proctor Street Baptist Church located at 4401 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard.
 This group helps with stuff like flood mud removal, and flood damaged furniture removal to the curb, installing “Blue Roof” tarping, assisting with the cutting up and dragging of trees and brush to the curb, helping the elderly or infirm get reorganized/set up to continue life in their homes, spiritual counseling and support, etc., etc.

NEWS RELEASES

For additional News Releases from other 
Counties and Cities please visit  www.setinfo.org 

Thursday 9-25-2008  4:30 PM

Wednesday 9-24-2008  Time: 4:30 PM

Wednesday 9-24-2008  Time: 3:00 PM

Tuesday 9-23-2008  Time: 4:30 PM

CITY OF GROVES UPDATE

-All City of Groves services are back to normal as of 9-22-08.

-Refrigerators and Freezers will be picked up on the “normal” trash days.  They should be put out by the roadway, sealed with duct tape, and locked or secured from opening
if filled with spoiled food.  If not taped shut, they should be locked or have the doors removed for safety.  

-The Curfew has been removed as of 9-22-08. 

-POD site at First Baptist Church has been closed and will not reopen. 

-Dumpsters will continue to be provided at the Public Works building located at 4925 McKinley. Waste from freezers and refrigerators should be placed in the provided dumpsters.

-Electrical service is available for 80% or more of Groves. If a residence still does not have power, one should call Entergy at 1-800-9outage or 1-800-968-8243. 

-The "boil water notice" has been lifted.  

-Residents who are cleaning their yards of debris are encouraged to separate construction debris from green waste. Also do not block drainage ditches or the street with waste.

-The City of Groves is requiring all repairs be permitted and inspected as in normal circumstances..

-Scam notice- All contractors who work in the City of Groves must be bonded and licensed. A list of those contractors can be obtained from the City by calling the City
Inspector at 960-5707, Public Works at 960-5700, or the Emergency Communication Center at 962-4460. 

Please check with the Better Business Bureau for tips on how to deal with contractors. If you are contacted by a door to door person who is soliciting work, contact the
Groves Police Department at 962-0244 or 727-1614 and an officer will investigate if that person has a valid City of Groves Permit and is therefore licensed
and bonded. Numerous complaints are fielded by the City employees after a disaster and it is our intent to limit problems for our citizens. 

-Special Needs residents who require medical services will be returning over the next several days with direct transfers.   

-The Groves Post Office is open and delivering mail. 

Information may be obtained by calling 962-4460.

Tuesday 9-23-2008  Time: 4:30 PM

Tuesday 9-23-2008  Time: 8:00 AM

Tuesday 9-23-2008  Time: 7:30 AM

Police:

15 curfew arrest
1 Possession of Controlled Substance
1 Felony Warrant

Fire:

1 house fire, moderate damage, no injuries
Fire alarms, medical calls, arching wires, motor vehicle accidents

General:

Drivers need to exercise extreme caution at intersections and treat all intersections as 4-way stop intersections.

Blue Roof registration will be at the Port Arthur Public library from 9:30a-5:30p.

The repatriation of medical special needs citizens is being organized and planned.

Trash must be separated. Limbs and trees must be separate from household garbage. Building materials must also be in their own pile.

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 4:00 PM

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 3:00 PM

Pleasure Island and Sabine Pass have sewer problems that are being addressed. This DOES NOT affect the remaining areas of Port Arthur .

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 3:00 PM

-The Curfew has been removed as of 9-22-08. 
 

-POD site at First Baptist Church has been closed and will not reopen. 

-Garbage pickup will resume today with full service.  Dumpsters will continue to be provided at the Public Works building located at 4925 McKinley. Waste from freezers and
refrigerators should be placed in the provided dumpsters.

-Electrical service is available for 80% of Groves. Entergy's Information Center at Hebert Library in Port Neches is closed.  If a residence still does not have power,
one should call Entergy at 1-800-9outage or 1-800-968-8243. 

-The "boil water notice" has been lifted.  

-Residents who are cleaning their yards of debris are encouraged to separate construction debris from green waste. Also do not block drainage ditches or the street with waste.

-The City of Groves is requiring all repairs be permitted and inspected as in normal circumstances.

-Scam notice- All contractors who work in the City of Groves must be bonded and licensed. A list of those contractors can be obtained from the City by calling
the City Inspector at 960-5707, Public Works at 960-5700, or the Emergency Communication Center at 962-4460. 

Please check with the Better Business Bureau for tips on how to deal with contractors. If you are contacted by a door to door person who is soliciting work, contact
the Groves Police Department at 962-0244 or 727-1614 and an officer will investigate if that person has a valid City of Groves Permit and is therefore licensed and bonded.
Numerous complaints are fielded by the City employees after a disaster and it is our intent to limit problems for our citizens. 

-Special Needs residents will be returning this afternoon.  

-The Groves Post Office is open and delivering mail. 

-The Salvation Army feeding station is open at Larry's French Market on Hwy 366 at Terrell street.

-The Red Cross feeding station is open at Van Buren Elementary.

Information may be obtained by calling 962-4460.

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 3:00 PM

FROM: DARRELL BUSH, NEDERLAND CHIEF OF POLICE

City of Nederland has lifted the curfew.

All city services are operating normally

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 2:30 PM

JEFFERSON COUNTY LIFTS BURN BAN

 As of Monday, September 22, 2008 at 2:30 pm Jefferson County officials have lifted the burn ban in the unincorporated areas of the county. 
Although the ban has been lifted, citizens are urged to use appropriate safety measures if burning debris.   

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 8:00 AM

Returning Home After a Hurricane: Be Healthy and Safe

Serious disease outbreaks have not occurred in hurricane-affected areas, but you should still be careful of getting sick or hurt.

• Do not enter a building if you smell gas. Call 911. Do not light a match or turn on lights.

• Wear waterproof boots and gloves to avoid floodwater touching your skin.

• Wash your hands often with soap and clean water, or use a hand-cleaning gel with alcohol in it.

• Avoid tetanus and other infections by getting medical attention for a dirty cut or deep puncture wound.

 
Clean Your Home and Stop Mold

• Take out items that have soaked up water and that cannot be cleaned and dried.

• Fix water leaks. Use fans and dehumidifiers and open doors and windows to remove moisture.

• To remove mold, mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water, wash the item with the bleach mixture, scrub rough surfaces with a stiff brush, rinse the item with clean water, then dry it or leave it to dry.

• Check and clean heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems before use.

• To clean hard surfaces that do not soak up water and that may have been in contact with floodwater, first wash with soap and clean water. Next disinfect with a mixture of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Then allow to air dry.

• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles when cleaning with bleach. Open windows and doors to get fresh air. Never mix bleach and ammonia. The fumes from the mixture could kill you.

Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Do not use generators, pressure washers, charcoal grills, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning devices indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed areas such as garages, even with doors or windows open. Do not put these devices outside near an open door, window, or air vent. You could be poisoned or killed by carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas from burning fuel such as gasoline, charcoal, or propane.


Keep Drinking Water and Food Safe

• Listen to public announcements to find out if local tap water is safe for drinking, cooking, cleaning, or bathing. Until the water is safe, use bottled water or boil or disinfect water.

• If a "boil water" advisory is in effect, do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth unless water has come to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute.

• Do not eat food that smells bad, looks bad, or has touched floodwater. When in doubt, throw food out.

 
Prevent Electrical Injuries

• Do not touch fallen electrical wires. They may be live and could hurt or kill you.

• Turn off the electrical power at the main source if there is standing water. Do not turn on power or use

an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.

Avoid Contact with Animals and Insects

• Reduce mosquito bites. Consider avoiding outdoor activities during the evening and early morning,

which are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Use an insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin.

• Stay away from wild or stray animals. Stray dogs may be hurt or afraid and may bite. Call local

authorities to handle animals.

• Get rid of dead animals according to local guidelines.

Drive Safely

• Stop and look both ways at all intersections. Most street lights are not working.  Drive slowly and keep space between you and other

vehicles. Watch out for trash on the road.

• Wear your seatbelt.

• Do not drive if you have been drinking.

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 8:00 AM

PNG-ISD Update

Dr. Randall reports today that power has been restored to all PN-GISD campuses and that teachers are to report back to work on Wednesday, September 24.  The PN-G student start back date will be announced on Monday.

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 8:00 AM

FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

Citizens may qualify for a food stamp program. They can register at the following locations from 7am-7pm :

Texas Dept. of Health and Human Services, 5860 9^th Ave.

Mount Sinai Baptist church, 501 W. Thomas Blvd.

They must be income eligible, have photo identification and proof of residency.

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 8:00 AM

AMERICAN RED CROSS DISASTER RESPONSE UPDATE:

American Red Cross volunteer and chapter staff continue to provide emergency assistance to families effected by Hurricane Ike. With the mandatory evacuation rescinded,
evacuees have begun the transition of returning from shelters to their homes.



As the Red Cross carries on its assessment of recovery needs in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, Red Cross damage assessment teams yesterday 
began driving through several effected communities to determine the extent of the damage. They surveyed damage in: Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange, and Anahuac.
Knowing how many dwelling are extensively damaged or destroyed helps the Red Cross access current and imminent needs.



To help returning people reconnect after the disaster, evacuees are encouraged to register on the Safe and Well Web site allowing them to let loved ones to know that 
they are safe. The site is accessible at www.redcross.org.  If internet access is not possible, they can call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register and follow
the prompts for disaster information.

As residents return tomorrow, 2 Red Cross mental health counselors will be on site at the disembarkation point to assist evacuees. Counselors meet individuals or
families whom have disaster-related emotional needs and provide appropriate assistance. They have also made home visits to disaster victims unable to come to shelters.
Red Cross counselors work with local mental health agencies in the affected areas to assist in providing appropriate support. Disembarkation will occur today at
950 Langham Rd., Beaumont, TX. The Beaumont Chapter will provide a canteen and volunteers distributing cold beverages and snacks to those returning.

Still remaining services will be: 3 Mobile kitchens, 15 Emergency Response Vehicle serving sites, and 1 Drive Through site. 



Emergency Response Vehicles will be stationed at the following serving sites 2 times a day. The estimated first arrival time is between 12:00 Noon - 12:30 PM in the
afternoon and following in the evening between 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM.

Updated Sites:

EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLE LOCATIONS IN PORT ARTHUR

Mt Sinai Baptist Church              
501 W. Thomas Blvd.  

Christian Faith Baptist Church   
1919 Jefferson Dr.

About the American Red Cross: 

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of
thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Hurricanes of 2008, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief
Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent.
If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). 
Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org
. 

Monday 9-22-2008  Time: 7:30 AM

21 curfew arrest
1 Possession of controlled substance

Fire:

Fire alarms, medical calls, arching wires

General:

Drivers need to exercise extreme caution at intersections and treat all intersections as 4-way stop intersections.

Blue Roof registration will be at the Port Arthur Public library from 9:30a-5:30p. The repatriation of citizens has caused this blue roof program to move from the civic center to the library.

Repatriation of citizens who evacuated out of the city on buses will continue.

Approx. 1,400 citizens returned to the city of Port Arthur on buses yesterday.

City garbage will resume normal pick up operations today.

Sunday 9-21-2008  Time: 10:00 PM

Update – Lamar State College – Port Arthur 

Staff and faculty will return to work, Wednesday, September 24, 2008 to resume business operations.  

For students, classes will resume Thursday, September 25, 2008.  Students who still need to complete their registration and make payment for the Fall 2008 semester should contact the college Wednesday to finalize their registration.  We are pleased to report that the campus only sustained minor damage relative to the area.  Please go to our web page www.lamarpa.edu and stay tuned to area media for further developments and information.

Sunday 9-21-2008  Time: 2:45 PM

Effective Sunday, 9-21-08, the curfew in Port Arthur will be from 11pm-5am.

All utility/restoration workers shall be exempt from this curfew.

Drivers need to exercise extreme caution at intersections and treat all intersections without functioning signals or downed signs as 4-way stop intersections.

Sunday 9-21-2008  Time: 11:30 AM

CITY OF GROVES UPDATE

City of Groves employees to return to work on 9-22-08

All City of Groves employees are to return to work on 9-22-08 on their normally assigned shifts. If any employee is unable to return, they are to contact their supervisor.
D.E. Sosa- City Manager

-A mandatory evacuation notice has been lifted for the City of Groves. However,
residents should be careful in planning their return due to limited electrical
power, fuel, food, and boil water issues.

-A Curfew in still in effect from 8pm-6am each day. Residents are asked to honor the curfew hours so that police officers can concentrate on theft and burglary
prevention.

-POD site at First Baptist Church located at the corner of 39th street and Grant will be open on 9-21-08 from 9am-6pm. Two bags of ice, one flat of water, and
one case of MRE's will be distributed to each vehicle for as long as it lasts.  The POD will be active until further notice.

-Garbage service is still limited. Residents are advised to bring spoiled meat to the public works location at 4925 McKinley for placement in the provided
dumpsters.

-Electrical power is slowly coming on line with approximately 35% of Groves with power.  Entergy is working hard to solve specific problems related to the
Hurricane and the damages it has caused.

-A "boil water notice" is still in effect and will continue until power is restored and officially certified as safe to drink.

-A Red Cross feeding location has been established at Van Buren Elementary located at 6300 Van Buren, Groves, TX.

-A Salvation Army feeding station has been established at Hwy 366 and Terrell streets at Larry's French Market parking lot.

-Residents who are cleaning their yards of debris are encouraged to separate construction debris from green waste. Also do not block drainage ditches or the
street with waste.

-The City of Groves is requiring all repairs be permitted and inspected as in normal circumstances.

-Scam notice- All contractors who work in the City of Groves must be bonded and licensed. A list of those contractors can be obtained from the City by calling
the City Inspector at 960-5707, Public Works at 960-5700, or the Emergency Communication Center at 962-4460.

Please check with the Better Business Bureau for tips on how to deal with contractors. If you are contacted by a door to door person who is soliciting work, contact the Groves Police Department at 962-0244 or 727-1614 and an officer will investigate if that person has a valid City of Groves Permit and is therefore licensed and bonded. Numerous complaints are fielded by the City employees after a disaster and it is our intent to limit problems for our citizens.

-A burn ban is in effect for Jefferson County and residents are encouraged to not burn storm debris such as limbs, leaves, and trash.

-Special Needs residents will not be returned until power is available in their neighborhoods.

Information may be obtained by calling 962-4460.

Sunday 9-21-2008  Time: 11:00 AM

Sunday 9-21-2008  Time: 8:00 AM

30 curfew arrest
1 for Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle
1 City Warrant

Fire:

Fire alarms, medical calls, arcing wires.

A contractor working on the Sabine Pass high school was bitten by a snake. The snake was caught for identification purposes. The victim was taken to St. Elizabeth hospital for treatment.

General:

Many sections of the city are still without power

Drivers need to exercise extreme caution at intersections and treat all intersections as 4-way stop intersections

Blue Roof registration will be at the Port Arthur Public library from 9:30a-5:30p for today, Sunday, 9-21-08 . The repatriation of citizens has caused this blue roof program to move from the civic center to the library.

Repatriation of citizens who were taken out of the city on buses will begin today.

Saturday 9-20-2008  Time: 5:00 PM

Saturday 9-20-2008  Time: 1:00 PM

All utility/restoration workers shall be exempt from this curfew.

Drivers need to exercise extreme caution at intersections and treat all intersections as 4-way stop intersections

There are still a large number of restoration workers in the area with large trucks and equipment which can hinder the normal routes of navigation around the city

Citizens should avoid Pleasure Island and Sabine Pass as the restoration process is ongoing. Curious onlookers are hindering operations in those areas.

Saturday 9-20-2008  Time: 1:00 PM

Secure the door with a chain or duct tape. If possible remove the door from the hinges.

Do not block the street or ditches with appliances.

Saturday 9-20-2008  Time: 1:00 PM

Saturday 9-20-2008  Time: 10:00 AM

This location will be manned by the Army Corps of Engineers, City Employees and volunteers.  People needing a blue roof can come to the location and make application.  Contractors have been assigned and will make an appointment at a later time to come to the damaged location and install the temporary blue roof at no cost. 

They will not be issuing tarps at the location.  If you need a tarp for your residence you can go to one of our POD locations and get a tarp to install yourself.

Saturday 9-20-2008  Time: 9:30 AM

This morning, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Units, or canteens, and volunteers continue to canvass the Hurricane Ike-affected areas, providing food and water to citizens in need.

Today, The Salvation Army Canteens will be located at:

·         Elmo Willard Library, 3590 E. Lucas
Martin Elementary, 3500 Pine St.
Fletcher Elementary, 1055 Ave. F
Alice  Keith Park, on Highland Ave.
Rogers Park, Dowlen and Gladys
Athletic Complex, Highway 90 and Dowlen
Sterling Pruitt Park on Gulf St.
China Elementary in China
Bridge City First Baptist Church on Round Bunch
Gulfway Dr. and Jefferson in Port Arthur
Booker T. Washington School on Thomas in Port Arthur
Larry’s Restaurant on hwy 366
Port Arthur Memorial High School
Cheek – 7780 Boyt Road 
Kountze High School
Bevel Oaks
Orange – Salvation Army Corp, 1950 MLK; 
West Orange City Hall on Western; 
South Vidor Methodist Church on Courtland

On Friday, these canteens provided 19,298 meals, 12,421 snacks and 22,318 drinks of water to the public.

Emergency canteen crews have gathered in the Beaumont area from throughout the nation, including Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Jersey, West Virginia, Tennessee, Michigan, Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

The Salvation Army Disaster Relief Team’s Command Center in Beaumont is located at 713 Orleans, right across from the Beaumont Emergency Operations Center.

Saturday 9-20-2008  Time: 7:30 AM

Port Arthur Update:

Police:

21 curfew arrest
5 other arrest for traffic violations and warrants
1 narcotic arrest

Round Rock PD is here assisting patrol officers

Fire:

9-19-08, 1:00 pm, Garage fire moderate damage, no injuries
Numerous medical calls, arching wire calls, and trash fire calls

General:

Water is still drinkable with no problems. Most of the sewer system is still on generator power, and functioning. Some lift stations received electrical power last night.

The Sabine Pass fire station has water but it is not drinkable.

Some sections of the city are beginning to receive electric power

Saturday 9-20-2008  Time: 7:00 AM

Dialysis Patients Urged to Call Toll-Free Number for Services

Health officials continue to urge kidney dialysis patients affected by Hurricane Ike to call (866) 407-3773 to locate dialysis services. Many dialysis patients have evacuated from coastal areas to other parts of Texas . Others have remained in counties where their usual treatment services are not available.

The toll-free emergency locator service is available 24 hours a day and is provided by the Texas End Stage Renal Disease Network and the Texas End Stage Renal Disease Emergency Coalition.  Dialysis patients are encouraged to watch fluid-intake and to heed dietary precautions.
People on dialysis need to receive the blood-cleansing treatment three times a week to stay alive.
DSHS also urges those who evacuated affected areas to wait for official word from state or local officials before returning to their homes

Friday 9-19-2008  Time: 6:00 PM

Drivers License Offices

Per Texas DPS, the following driver license offices will be open Monday, September 22, 2008:  BAYTOWN, JASPER, LUFKIN, NACOGDOCHES , ORANGE, PASADENA DL

The following drivers license offices will remain closed until further notice:  BEAUMONT DL , CLEVELAND DL,  GALVESTON DL, PORT ARTHUR DL

Friday 9-19-2008  Time: 5:00 PM

FROM Jefferson County Emergency Management

Jefferson County Judge, Ron Walker, announced today that the Mandatory Evacuation Order issued on September 11, 2008 will be terminated effective at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday September 20, 2008.  Each city within Jefferson County will also be rescinding their respective evacuation orders.  Regarding special needs citizens, Emergency Managers for the County and Cities will be working with the State of Texas to coordinate their return.  Each municipality will be contacting their respective point-to-point shelters to facilitate such return.  All cities within Jefferson County will be issuing information to the media relating to their specific situations.  Some localities may have varying curfew hours.  The Jefferson County curfew order will be in effect between the hours of 11p.m. and 5 a.m.  

Although the County evacuation order is being rescinded, residents are cautioned to exercise discretion in making the decision about whether to return.  Great strides have been made in the recovery efforts due to the heroic and ceaseless efforts of thousands of first responders in our area.  However, there still exist numerous obstacles to complete restoration.

We remain with limited food, fuel, medical and retail resources and living conditions are not as they were when our citizens evacuated.    The fuel resources are severely strained and returning residents may face the unavailability of gasoline.  Several municipalities have boil restrictions in place for their water supplies, some sewer systems are operating below capacity, and power remains out in many areas despite the hard work and dedication of utility workers from our area and around the nation.  Additionally, many traffic signals remain damaged or without power.  For this reason, residents are strongly urged to stop and exercise extreme caution when approaching intersections.

Obviously, our area has suffered a catastrophic event.  Citizens are reminded to exercise restraint and patience during the recovery efforts as it will take some time before all public services return to normal.  All your local governments remain committed to working with citizens, local utility providers, state and federal authorities and disaster remediation contractors to assist in restoring our area as quickly as is possible under the circumstances.  I have no doubt that the people of southeast Texas will pull together, as they have in the past, to assist in this effort.

Friday 9-19-2008  Time: 4:00 PM

UPDATE ON ROADBLOCK ON HWY 73

The Texas Department of Public Safety in conjunction with The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and The Tex as Department of Transportation has a portion of Hwy 73 blocked (no access) to the public.  The stretch of roadway of Hwy 73 from the England road area (Jefferson and Chambers county line) to Taylor’s Bayou is blocked with barricades.  State Troopers and County Deputies are stationed at these locations.  Access to this portion of roadway, has been deemed unsafe due to debris and barges across the roadway. 

Only essential personnel and those citizens who live within that stretch of Hwy 73 will be allowed into the area.  All other traffic will be stopped.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has received numerous telephone calls from citizens inquiring about when Hwy 73 will be opened for public access.  This Department, along with local officials, believes that Hwy 73 between the England road area and Taylor’s Bayou is unsafe for vehicular traffic.  This stretch of roadway will remain closed until it is deemed safe. The Texas Department of Public Safety has NO definite date for re-opening Hwy 73.

This notice will remain in effect until further notice from The Texas Department of Public Safety.

Friday 9-19-2008  Time: 4:00 PM

         Mayor Deloris Prince has decided to lift the Mandatory Evacuation order effective 6:00 am , Saturday, 9-20-08 .

          Although the Evacuation Order has been lifted citizens are urged to use discretion in deciding on whether or not to return to Port Arthur .

          Power has not been restored in much of the city and there are limited food, fuel and medical services available. Living conditions are not back normal since the landfall of Hurricane Ike.

          Some of the surrounding cities do not have some services available just as Port Arthur has a decreased amount of resources available to citizens.

          Many traffic signals and traffic devices were destroyed in the hurricane and this makes intersections of the city very dangerous especially at night. These intersections shall be treated as 4-way stop intersections.

          There are still a large number of restoration workers in the area with large trucks and equipment which can hinder the normal routes of navigation around the city.

          Citizens will need to exercise more than normal patience if they return to the area.

          Hwy. 73 remains closed  coming into Port Arthur or leaving Port Arthur . The Dept. of Public Safety has NO definite date for re-opening Hwy 73. Hwy 73 is still unsafe due to debris and a barge on the Highway.

          The curfew will be modified beginning Friday, 9-19-08 and will be 8pm-5am . All utility/restoration workers shall be exempt from this curfew.

Friday 9-19-2008  Time: 3:00 PM

Any business wanting to open since closing for the hurricane must call 983-8737 AND THEN ENTER EXT 8737 for fire and electrical inspections.  You can also contact Butch Hass, City Inspector on his cell phone at 409-728-8089 to schedule those inspections.  A business selling food also needs to contact the Health Dept. by calling Yoshi Alexander, 749-4452.

Public Works will pick up garbage in the city now as the drive in the neighborhoods. Toters should be placed at the street for pick up.  Regular garbage schedules will begin Monday, 9-22-08.

St. Mary hospital is on generator power and the ER is open.

Dialysis patients will be accepted at the hospital at noon today, 9-19-08.

Fire Dept. personnel is currently evaluating the homes of persons who were evacuated to determine if their home is safe for them to return. This should be complete within the next 24 hours. Depending on the status of electricity and the evacuation order, citizens could then be repatriated to the city.

Friday 9-19-2008  Time: 9:00 AM

Any employee who can’t report for work at that time shall contact their department head as soon as possible.

Friday 9-19-2008  Time: 9:00 AM

Southeast Texas Emergency Management  urges residents who have sustained damage to their homes or property during Hurricane Ike to beware of potential scams.  The Better Business Bureau, at www.bbb.org, provides much needed information which can help citizens recognize phony contractors.  The following information is provided by the BBB: 

“Homeowner should be suspicious of door-to-door workers, who in order to get the job, may use scare tactics such as allegedly unsafe structural conditions.  If possible, homeowners should request two or three estimates of the cost of repairs.  The homeowners should also be certain that the contractors are bidding the same package including materials to be used, when work is to begin and be completed and when payments are to be made. 

A down payment of 30% of the total is standard for the industry.  The time when work is to begin is particularly important as many contractors may have a backlog of work due to the disaster.  Homeowners should not sign a completion form until they are totally satisfied.  It is wise for homeowners to ask for a lien waiver to protect them in the event the contractor fails to pay their suppliers.   When selecting a contractor, the homeowner should make sure the contract contains a detailed description of the necessary work. “

In the Cities of Beaumont and Pt. Arthur, contractors are required to be licensed by the State of Texas and bonded in order to perform work.  Check to make sure that the contractor you have chosen meets these requirements. Citizens in all other jurisdictions should check with their local governments for verifications of requirements.

Citizens are cautioned to be weary of door to door solicitors.

Friday 9-19-2008  Time: 7:00 AM

21 curfew arrest, 12 Theft/Organized crime arrests

Port Arthur Fire:

9-18-08 , 4141 6^th Ave , 8:00 am , Carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator. Man and woman in their 60’s had a generator in the attached garage with all windows closed in the garage. Taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont where they are in ICU in good condition.  According to Hospital personnel the couple are expected to make a full recovery.

Numerous medical and alarm calls

Burning inside the city limits is still not allowed

General:

Water is still drinkable with no problems.  Most of the sewer system up with generator power.

Trying to get water to Sabine Pass ; HOWEVER IT WILL BE A BOIL WATER SITUATION IN SABINE PASS IF IT OCCURS.

Some sections of the city are beginning to receive electric power.

Drivers need to exercise extreme caution at intersections and treat all intersections as 4-way stop intersections.

Thursday 9-18-2008  Time: 5:30 PM

The Curfew is still in place and has not changed, 8PM-6AM and it is being enforced.

Any business that sells food and plans on reopening must contact Yoshi Alexander, the Director of the Health Dept., at 749-4452 for inspections.  The Inspections Department and Fire Department also must inspect and give approval.  Please contact Butch Hass, City Inspector on his cell at 409-728-8089 to get the inspection process going.  The inspectors will be working dilligently to get the locations inspected and complete so that businesses can open. 

GENERATORS:

NEVER PLACE A GENERATOR INSIDE A HOME OR AN ENCLOSED PATIO WHERE VENTILATION IS POOR.  NEVER FILL A GENERATOR WITH FUEL WHILE IT IS RUNNING.  IF THE EXHAUST IS HOT, SPLASHED FUEL CAN IGNITE CAUSING A FIRE. LET THE GENERATOR COOL IF POSSIBLE.  NEVER STORE CONTAINERS OF FUEL NEAR THE RUNNING GENERATOR.

Chainsaw safety:  Wear protective gloves and clothing along with eye protection. Have someone with you in case of an injury. Be cautious of falling limbs once they are cut and make sure no one is close that could be injured.

Roofs: Never climb on your roof alone in case you need help. If you begin to make repairs to any part of your home before an adjustor has viewed the damage, take photos for documentation.

Registration for “Blue Roofs” is being conducted at the Procter Baptist Church located at 4401 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. in Port Arthur.

Thursday 9-18-2008  Time: 2:00 PM

Update from Port Arthur PD:

9-17-08, 7:00 pm, 900 W. 13th Street, Auto-Pedestrian accident, 18 yr old Black/Female pedestrian was uncooperative with police. Vehicle was not at the scene. Possibly an Aggravated Assault w/ motor vehicle case. She was taken to St. Elizabeth hospital with closed head injuries in serious condition.

9-18-08, 4:00 am, 3600 Avalon, 4 suspects in custody, vehicles of suspects revealed numerous items of stolen property that was linked to several other homes burglarized.

17 curfew arrests

1 felon in possession of a firearm

Port Arthur Fire Dept.:

9-17-08, 7:30 PM, 1913 Neches Ave., House fire, generator related, new generator inside the home being fueled for the first time, candle was used for light by a 19 yr. old B/F, Sajah Ledee, as a male was pouring gasoline into the generator. Vapors flashed causing the fire. Male received 2nd degree burns, female was taken to St. Mary where she was pronounced dead. 1 firefighter injured in the rescue with a cut to his cheek, 2 police officers were treated for smoke inhalation. Family of the victim has been notified.

9-17-08, 10:00 PM, 2925 10th Street, candle caused a decoration to ignite, small fire extinguished, no injuries

General:

9-17-08, 3 caskets recovered in Sabine Lake unknown where they came from, taken to Broussard's mortuary in Beaumont

Wednesday 9-17-2008  Time: 10:30 AM

The Port Arthur Fire Department worked a house fire caused from a gasoline vapor flash when refilling a generator, fortunately there were no injuries.  Generator Safety:  Never fill a generator while it's running.  Be careful when filling as the hot engine can can cause vapors to flash.

The water in Port Arthur is still functioning properly.  More of the sewer system will be put on generators today.  Sabine Pass water will need inspection before service can be restored.

Currently the streets in Port Arthur are in the process of being cleared.

The Medical Center Hospital and St. Mary Hospital are open and running.

The Pleasur