News Release

Houston Leads the Way in Emergency Planning for Individuals with Disabilities

Planning seminar brings members of disability community together with emergency management officials.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/20/2012

HOUSTON - The Houston Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Initiative (RCPI) and the Houston Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) hosted a planning seminar with the focus of incorporating the unique requirements of individuals with functional and  access needs in all areas of emergency planning.

Bringing leaders together from emergency management and disability communities, this event focused on building partnerships, increasing resilience, and identifying Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) best practices. The group also reviewed the Texas FNSS tool kit, a document designed to assist emergency planners in understanding the requirements related to sheltering and serving those who have access and functional needs.  Attendees and speakers included local advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, and local and state  emergency officials.

"It is of great importance that communities recognize that a large portion of the population have disabilities. These include mobility impairments that make it difficult for them when disaster strikes, hearing impairments that provide challenges to getting information, and cognitive impairments which make it difficult to understand the message that is generated and the extent of the danger," said Lex Frieden, director of the Independent Research Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, "Houston has been a leader in reaching out to this population. The efforts underway now will continue to improve outreach to people with disabilities."

In addition to Lex Frieden, presenters included leaders from:

• American Red Cross
• The Houston District Office of the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• City of Houston Office of Emergency Management
• City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services
• Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
• Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County
• Newman & Newman, Inc.
• Texas A&M University Department of Educational Psychology, Center on Disability and Development
• Texas Children's Hospital
• Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services

"Incorporating the needs of residents with functional and access needs continues to be a challenge in the way Houston plans for emergencies," said Sharon Nalls, the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Houston, "Seminars like this are important, bringing these various groups to the table, helping us prepare to serve all residents, regardless of their individual needs."

Planning to respond to the requirements of the entire community during a disaster, including those individuals with functional and access needs continues to be a top regional priority.  Seminar attendees were left with a challenge that was wholeheartedly embraced by attendees - to continue the conversation both locally and nationwide about incorporating all segments of our population in emergency planning, and to continue strengthening relationships between the disability community and emergency managers.

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The Houston Regional Catastrophic Planning Initiative (RCPI) is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funded initiative intended to ensure that plans are in place for a truly catastrophic incident. This program has three main priorities; fix shortcomings in existing emergency plans, build a regional planning process and planning community, and link operational and capabilities-based planning for resource allocation. This program supports the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) region, comprised of 13 counties and 167 municipalities.

 The Houston Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) is a collaborative of multiple local governments funded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is engaged in a multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional partnership to improve local capacity to prepare for, protect against, respond to and recover from human-caused incidents. Participating jurisdictions and organizations include The Cities of Houston & Pasadena, Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria and Galveston Counties, the Port of Houston and METRO. For more information, visit HoustonUASI.com.

Media Contact:

Michael Walter, Public Information Officer

City of Houston, Office of Emergency Management

5320 N Shepherd Drive

Houston, Texas 77091

(713) 884-4554 phone

Michael.Walter@houstontx.gov

News Release

Houston Leads the Way in Emergency Planning for Individuals with Disabilities

Planning seminar brings members of disability community together with emergency management officials.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/20/2012

HOUSTON - The Houston Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Initiative (RCPI) and the Houston Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) hosted a planning seminar with the focus of incorporating the unique requirements of individuals with functional and  access needs in all areas of emergency planning.

Bringing leaders together from emergency management and disability communities, this event focused on building partnerships, increasing resilience, and identifying Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) best practices. The group also reviewed the Texas FNSS tool kit, a document designed to assist emergency planners in understanding the requirements related to sheltering and serving those who have access and functional needs.  Attendees and speakers included local advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, and local and state  emergency officials.

"It is of great importance that communities recognize that a large portion of the population have disabilities. These include mobility impairments that make it difficult for them when disaster strikes, hearing impairments that provide challenges to getting information, and cognitive impairments which make it difficult to understand the message that is generated and the extent of the danger," said Lex Frieden, director of the Independent Research Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, "Houston has been a leader in reaching out to this population. The efforts underway now will continue to improve outreach to people with disabilities."

In addition to Lex Frieden, presenters included leaders from:

• American Red Cross
• The Houston District Office of the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• City of Houston Office of Emergency Management
• City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services
• Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
• Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County
• Newman & Newman, Inc.
• Texas A&M University Department of Educational Psychology, Center on Disability and Development
• Texas Children's Hospital
• Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services

"Incorporating the needs of residents with functional and access needs continues to be a challenge in the way Houston plans for emergencies," said Sharon Nalls, the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Houston, "Seminars like this are important, bringing these various groups to the table, helping us prepare to serve all residents, regardless of their individual needs."

Planning to respond to the requirements of the entire community during a disaster, including those individuals with functional and access needs continues to be a top regional priority.  Seminar attendees were left with a challenge that was wholeheartedly embraced by attendees - to continue the conversation both locally and nationwide about incorporating all segments of our population in emergency planning, and to continue strengthening relationships between the disability community and emergency managers.

####

The Houston Regional Catastrophic Planning Initiative (RCPI) is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funded initiative intended to ensure that plans are in place for a truly catastrophic incident. This program has three main priorities; fix shortcomings in existing emergency plans, build a regional planning process and planning community, and link operational and capabilities-based planning for resource allocation. This program supports the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) region, comprised of 13 counties and 167 municipalities.

 The Houston Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) is a collaborative of multiple local governments funded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that is engaged in a multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional partnership to improve local capacity to prepare for, protect against, respond to and recover from human-caused incidents. Participating jurisdictions and organizations include The Cities of Houston & Pasadena, Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria and Galveston Counties, the Port of Houston and METRO. For more information, visit HoustonUASI.com.

Media Contact:

Michael Walter, Public Information Officer

City of Houston, Office of Emergency Management

5320 N Shepherd Drive

Houston, Texas 77091

(713) 884-4554 phone

Michael.Walter@houstontx.gov

 Let us know where dangerous conditions exist by using your Twitter account.

 Tweet @HoustonOEM and use one of the following hashtags to report damage, or ask a question:

#floodout -  If you see high water or start to see inland flooding around you.

#floodin - If you have water coming into your home or business

#tornado - If you see a funnel cloud, tornado, or rotating wall cloud.

#hail - If you see hail larger than nickel size.

#wind - If you see or have experienced severe winds.

#damage - If you see damage from winds, hail or lightning.

#debris - If you see debris blocking a road or other right of way

#powerout - If your power is out.

#wateroff - If you water pressure is low or turned off.

If tweeting from your GPS-enabled mobile device, be sure to click your "location" button.

If you can't turn on GPS, be sure to include a description of where you are in your tweet (i.e. Shepherd & Tidwell or 5320 N Shepherd Drive)

Houston OEM will transmit any severe weather reports to the National Weather Service on your behalf.

As always, tweet safely, and if you feel your life or property is threatened, dial 9-1-1

Got questions about it?  Tweet @HoustonOEM or e-mail us at info@houstonoem.net.

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Houston's role as an industrial engine for Texas and the Nation make it extremely vulnerable to hazardous chemical emergencies.  Everyday, materials used in the production and refinement of various products travel through our city.  While many precautions are taken to ensure safe delivery of these materials, unfortunately, accidents can occur.  Do you know what to do if one occurs in your area?  Take a look at some of these tips on preparing for and responding to hazardous materials incidents in your community:

Ready.gov - Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA's Ready campaign has a wealth of information on what you can do before, during and after a hazardous materials incident, as well as tips for making an emergency plan, getting an emergency kit, and staying informed when seconds count. 

East Harris County Manufacturer's Association

The EHCMA is an alliance of more than 125 chemical manufacturers and petroleum refiners in east Harris County.  They offer information on how to effectively protect yourself in the event of an accidental release of hazardous chemical releases, as well as information on the CAER Line (281-476-2237), which is an incident information and citizen inquiry hot line.

 Shelter in Place - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Take a moment to review this page from the CDC on what you should have in your home in order to effectively shelter in place when necessary.  Remember, hazardous materials incidents can occur anywhere in the city, not just near production facilities, so be prepared no matter where you live.

Houston's role as an industrial engine for Texas and the Nation make it extremely vulnerable to hazardous chemical emergencies.  Everyday, materials used in the production and refinement of various products travel through our city.  While many precautions are taken to ensure safe delivery of these materials, unfortunately, accidents can occur.  Do you know what to do if one occurs in your area?  Take a look at some of these tips on preparing for and responding to hazardous materials incidents in your community:

Ready.gov - Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA's Ready campaign has a wealth of information on what you can do before, during and after a hazardous materials incident, as well as tips for making an emergency plan, getting an emergency kit, and staying informed when seconds count. 

East Harris County Manufacturer's Association

The EHCMA is an alliance of more than 125 chemical manufacturers and petroleum refiners in east Harris County.  They offer information on how to effectively protect yourself in the event of an accidental release of hazardous chemical releases, as well as information on the CAER Line (281-476-2237), which is an incident information and citizen inquiry hot line.

 Shelter in Place - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Take a moment to review this page from the CDC on what you should have in your home in order to effectively shelter in place when necessary.  Remember, hazardous materials incidents can occur anywhere in the city, not just near production facilities, so be prepared no matter where you live.

Sign up today for emergency e-mails from the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM).  AlertHouston sends Houston residents, businesses and community organizations important information about emergencies occuring in Houston.

 A simple sign-up process is all it takes to register for the program. 

Click Here to Sign-up Today

AlertHouston is just one way to stay informed during emergencies.  Be sure you have access to a portable, battery, or hand-crank radio or television so that you can access important emergency information even if the power goes out.  

Also, bookmark http://m.houstonoem.net on your mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet to get timely emergency information from the City of Houston.

For more information on what you can do to be prepared for emergencies, click on the "Are You Ready?" link above. 

In the event of an emergency which requires evacuation, some individuals may need additional assistance leaving their homes.  The Transportation Assistance Registry (TAR) allows residents to provide information on their specific situation to emergency management officials who can help get them the resources needed to evacuate to safety.

There are three ways to sign up for the Transportation Assistance Registry:

Register Online - The fastest and easiest way to register for evacuation assistance.

 Call 2-1-1 - A trained telephone operator will be able to take your information in minutes.

Download and Mail the Registration Form - Available in English and Spanish (Disponible en Inglés y Español)

Do you have questions about Transportation Assistance?  Please Contact Us.

Transportation Assistance Frequently Asked Questions:

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Flooding: Houston's Most Common Hazard

The most common type of all natural hazards is flooding. This is particularly true in the greater Houston area.  Being prepared is a vital step toward protecting both lives and personal property. 

Flooding can be caused by various weather situations, whether it be severe thunderstorms, or a slow-moving tropical system over the City, such as we saw with Tropical Storm Allison in 2001.  It can cause damage both with fast-moving currents, as well as residual mold damage to homes.

Flash Floods

Flash floods are characterized by a rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, or a rapid water level rise in a stream or creek above a flood level within six hours of a severe weather event such as a thunderstorm. Ongoing flooding can intensify to flash flooding in cases where intense rainfall results in a rapid surge of rising flood waters.

When fast-moving flood waters are anticipated to impact Houston, the National Weather Service will issue Flash Flood Warnings or Watches.   Residents should know what the difference is between them and what to do to protect you and your family during their impact.

Flash Flood Watch - Issued to indicate current or developing hydrologic conditions that are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area, but the occurrence is neither certain or imminent.

Turn Around Don't Drown®

The number one killer for natural disasters in the United States is flooding.  Many times, individuals aren't able to judge the depths of water along roadways and find themselves in perilous conditions.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" by not driving into areas of  water across a roadway.

Water at heights of as little as six inches can sweep you off your feet and downstream.  Water as little as two feet can wash you and your vehicle downstream as well. 

Be especially cautious at night, when its even more difficult to gauge the amount of water in a roadway.  The safest option is to simply avoid driving over water and find an alternate, safer route, or wait until the danger has passed.   If you see water covering a roadway that can result in danger for motorists, please dial 9-1-1 and report it immediately.

Resources

There are various websites that can help you determine the extent of a flood in the Houston region.

The Harris County Flood Warning System

This website provides residents information on the levels of creeks, streams and rivers in Harris County.  This information is continually updated during storms and can help residents determine stream levels near them.

Do you live in a flood plain?  Aren't sure?  Visit the Flood Education Mapping Tool website, plug in your address and figure out your risk level for flooding. Also find information on how you can obtain flood insurance, which is the only coverage you can get against damage from flooding.

Be part of your City's emergency response!  Let us know where dangerous conditions exist by using your Twitter account.
Tweet @HoustonOEM and use one of the following hashtags to report damage, or ask a question:

#flooding - If you see high water or start to see inland flooding around you.

#tornado - If you see a funnel cloud, tornado, or rotating wall cloud.

#hail - If you see hail larger than nickel size.

#wind - If you see or have experienced severe winds.

#damage - If you see damage from winds, hail or lightning.

#debris - If you see debris blocking a road or other right of way

#powerout - If your power is out.

#wateroff - If you water pressure is low or turned off.

If tweeting from your GPS-enabled mobile device, be sure to click your "location" button.

If you can't turn on GPS, be sure to include a description of where you are in your tweet (i.e. Shepherd & Tidwell or 5320 N Shepherd Drive)

Reporting damage on Twitter helps make Houston safer.

HoustonOEM will transmit any severe weather reports to the National Weather Service on your behalf.

As always, tweet safely, and if you feel your life or property is threatened, dial 9-1-1

Got questions about it?  Tweet @HoustonOEM or e-mail us at info@houstonoem.net.