Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management Goes to Level 1

On September 10, 2008, as of 7:00 p.m., the County’s Readiness Level increased to “Level 1: Maximum Readiness.” The National Weather Service projects that Fort Bend County could incur Category 2 hurricane effects for a three to four hour period beginning around 1:00 a.m. Saturday with tropical storm effects arriving as early as 10:00 a.m. on Friday.

At 4PM CDT, Hurricane Ike will be near 24.4N/86.2W, or about 550 miles southeast of Galveston, TX. Maximum sustained winds are up to 100 mph. Movement is to the west-northwest at 8-10 mph. Satellite imagery indicates that Ike continues to become better organized. Ike is on its way to becoming a major hurricane within the next 24 hours.

The County’ Office of Emergency Management is currently monitoring the situation and will make recommendations on possible closure of County offices as the course of the storm is further defined.  Personnel are on duty and continue to evaluate and plan for the appropriate course of action to maintain the maximum safety of Fort Bend County residents. 

Remember, Fort Bend County will shelter-in-place.  There will not be an evacution order.  However, appropriate readiness actions should be taken, including monitoring the Fort Bend County Website and our emergency radio at AM 1670, and listening to local television and radio for further information as Ike approaches.

Also, there are several practical preparations you can do now:

• Fill your vehicles with fuel and keep them full.
• Gather a first-aid kit, extra prescription medications, written copies of prescriptions, special medical items, eyeglasses, hearing aids.
• Keep toilet paper, cleanup supplies, personal hygiene products, special items for babies, the elderly and pets.
• Keep copies of important documents and records, photo IDs, drivers license, proof of residence, account numbers, information you may need to process insurance claims. Maintain in a waterproof container.
• Have cash (including small bills) because power outages mean banks and ATMs may be unavailable.
• Have a battery-operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, extra keys, tools, and NOAA weather radio.
• Know the plans of other family members, too, and have their phone and contact information.
• Food supplies should include a three-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of bottled water per person per day, coolers for food and ice storage, paper plates, plastic utensils, manual can opener.
• Secure any loose items such as lawn furniture, potted plants, etc.