SHELTER-IN-PLACE

The cities of La Porte, Morgan's Point, and Shoreacres will notify citizens of an emergency that requires you to go inside to wait for further instructions.  Citizens are alerted to "shelter in place" (go inside) by the Community Warning System alarm which sounds a "whoop-whoop" tone.  Once inside, citizens will be given further instructions on radio station AM 830 and as needed through an automated telephone system which calls homes and businesses.  Examples of community emergencies include chemical release or hazardous materials event from surrounding industries.  Some emergencies may not warrant citizens to shelter.  For such emergencies which the outside alarm is not sounded, you may call the local information CAER line at 281-476-2237 or 281-476-2273.  Remember, our outside alarms will be activated only if citizens should shelter inside to await instructions!  The following gives more details.

• Community Warning System Alarms

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• Large towers located throughout the community broadcast a "whoop-whoop" tone in all directions

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• When you hear the "whoop-whoop" tone, go inside to "shelter in place"

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• The Community Warning System is tested each Saturday at noon. 

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• Any other time you hear the outside alarm you should assume an emergency exists and go inside

Emergency Radio Stations

• Emergency radio station AM 830 broadcast official information during an emergency

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• If you cannot receive this station you are encouraged to listen to radio station KTRH AM 740

Shelter in Place

• Immediately go inside

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• Close all doors and windows

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• Turn off air-conditioner/heater

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• Stay off your phone in case public officials activate the automated telephone system to provide specific instructions 

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• Turn on your radio to AM 830 or KTRH AM 740. 

• Listen for instructions

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• Bring everyone to one room if possible and seal doors and windows with tape, plastic, etc.

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• Place wet towels at the bottom of doors (keep extras handy)

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• Stay inside until an "all clear" is issued. 

An "all clear" is communicated two ways; through a tone sounded over the outside alarms (sounds like an air horn) and through broadcasts over emergency radio stations. When you hear the "all clear", open all windows and doors to ventilate your home or business, then go outside.

When Your Child is at School 

• When the schools receive notice that "shelter in place" has been declared, school officials quickly respond by sheltering children safely in school buildings. Do not attempt to retrieve you child. 

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• School principals are instructed to keep buildings in a lock-down mode when a "shelter in place" has been issued Opening a door to the outside puts you and your child at risk of being exposed to a potentially dangerous chemical or weather emergency. Do not call the school. 

This ties up phone lines.  Listen to emergency radio station AM 830 or KTRH AM 740 for instructions. Don't forget to take care of pets before leaving home.  Keep all windows and air vents in the car closed.

Use special routes designated by local authorities.

Reminder to Parents.....

If you have children in school:

DO NOT go to the school to pick up your children unless told to do so by school officials. If you go to the school, you may be putting yourself and your children in danger when doors are opened to allow you to remove your children from their safe shelter.

DO NOT try to call your child's school. If there is an emergency, phone lines will be needed for official business. Students will be taken into schools and cared for or evacuated by bus to a safe haven.