The Joint Information Center is now closed.

For additional information please contact the respective agency with media requests. This site will be updated in the future with final numbers and statistics.

Monday, September 26, 2005 - 8:00 A.M.

PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT
Operating portable generators can be dangerous

“If you want to use a portable generator, do not connect it
directly to a building's wiring without a licensed electrician first
disconnecting the house wiring from CenterPoint Energy's service.
It can create a safety hazard for you and CenterPoint Energy's
linemen. Never run the generator inside or in a garage. Place it in
a well ventilated area. Gasoline-powered generators produce
carbon monoxide and the fumes can be deadly.”
-CenterPoint Energy

Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 5:10 P.M.

Harris County Offices to Open Monday

“Harris County offices will be open as regularly scheduled beginning Monday, September 26th. The courts will be open, however no jury trials will be scheduled. All County employees who are in the area and available to work should contact their supervisors with any questions and report to work accordingly. Employees who had evacuated should follow the scheduled plan for return to the area as recommended by the state,” Harris County Judge Robert Eckels.

Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 5:00 P.M.

Some Curfews Remain in Place (PDF Doc)

Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 4:00 P.M.

Southbound Ramps in Madison County Closed
Entrance ramps to southbound I-45 at SH 21 in Madison County (Madisonville) have been closed to help clear traffic congestion on the interstate and to ease travel to Houston. Also, southbound SH 75 in Madison County has been closed, also to ease traffic congestion in the area. (PDF Doc)

Sunday, September 25, 2005

City of Houston trash pickup info

The City of Houston Solid Waste Department will resume regular garbage pick-up on Monday. Solid waste crews have joined with the Public Works and the Parks Department to begin debris removal in and around Houston.

To help expedite the removal of debris related to Hurricane Rita, citizens are asked to bundle it and place it next to their garbage cans to be picked up during regularly scheduled collection.

Please be aware that this does not apply to regular heavy trash, which should only be placed on the curb on time for the regularly scheduled day for heavy trash collection.

Residents who wish to discard heavy trash before their scheduled once-per-month pickup may use one of three neighborhood depositories at the following locations shown below:

5565 Kirkpatrick
9200 Lawndale
5100 Sunbeam

For more information about the hours of operation and maps to these locations, you may log on to http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/basicservices.html.

Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 12:00 P.M.

The Plan: Over three days residents will return home

State officials are urging residents returning to gulf coast communities to follow a state plan designed to create a safe and orderly return over three days.

“Harris County emergency management officials have worked with other local governments, school districts and the business community so that you don’t have to rush back. Most of our schools are closed through Tuesday, some Wednesday. Our business leaders understand that Monday and Tuesday are important days in the state’s transportation plan,” says Harris County Judge Robert Eckels.

Today, those living west of Interstate-45 and north of Interstate-10, including Tomball, The Woodlands, Waller, Hockley, Katy and Brookshire are asked to return to their homes.

The plan over the next two days is as follows:

• MONDAY: West of State Highway 35 and south of I-10, including Richmond, Stafford, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Pearland and those living inside Loop 610.

• TUESDAY: East of I-45 and north of I-10, including Liberty and Chambers counties.
Areas with more significant damage are still being assessed and residents of those communities are strongly discouraged from returning at this time. (PDF Doc)

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/hcr/goinghome/

Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 6:00 P.M.

JUDGE ECKELS CALLS BACK FRONT LINE SUPPORT
"Thank you, again."

Energy companies, medical professionals, transportation infrastructure and other critical industries are encouraged to help their employees return to Harris County to aid the response to Hurricane Rita.

"We've cleared the way and now we need core industries like energy companies, medical professionals, Continental Airlines and other air carriers, transporation related employees, grocery stores,gas stations and other essential sectors to come back home. We need you to help us make the return of our families as smooth and safe as possible. We need you as part our of team to support our neighbors that have been hit hard by Hurricane Rita," sayd Eckels.

Harris County Judge Eckels thanked these industries and their employees for their assistance during Hurricane Katrina and their tireless commitment to respond yet again.

Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 5:30 P.M.

UNIVERSITIES CLOSE (PDF Doc)

Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 3:00 P.M.

THE RETURN HOME

Harris County will be prepared to coordinate the welcome home of Harris County residents tomorrow in accordance with state plans. Officials still urge persons to not return early for their own safety, and that of others.

THE STATE OF TEXAS PLAN

SUNDAY: Those living west of Interstate-45 and north of Interstate-10, including Tomball, The Woodlands, Waller, Hockley, Katy and Brookshire.

• MONDAY: West of State Highway 35 and south of I-10, including Richmond, Stafford, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Pearland and those living inside Loop 610.

• TUESDAY: East of I-45 and north of I-10, including Liberty and Chambers counties.

Officials warn that if residents do not heed the plan that the potential for a crisis exists if gasoline, food and medical services are stretched by congested freeways and communities who become overwhelmed in the midst of their recovery operations.

TxDOT messaging signs continue to communicate with travelers about evacuation accommodations and services. For State roadway information call 1-800-452-9292.

For Harris County roadway information visit www.HoustonTranStar.org

Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 12:30 P.M.

"Schools Closed Until Wednesday or Thursday" (PDF Doc)

Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 12:30 P.M.

“Bayous are OK”
East Harris County Receiving only Two Inches of Rain (PDF Doc)

Saturday, September 24, 2005 - 12:00 P.M.

“Spared doesn’t mean Safe”
Officials Say to Stay Put, Don’t Come Back Home (PDF Doc)

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