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Clear Lake BOPA Recycling Event
The Clear Lake Batteries, Oil, Paint and Anti-Freeze (BOPA) recycling event, held on March 29 at the Ellington Airport Recycling Center, was ahuge success. Approximately 15.4 tons, or 30,818 pounds, of recyclable materials were collected from more than 425 vehicles over the course of four hours. Volunteers from the Assistance League of the Bay Area’s Assisteens youth program and students from Clear Brook High School’s National Honor Society aided the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department in the effort, which ended up yielding 7,600 pounds of latex paint, 375 gallons of motor oil, 100 gallons of anti-freeze, 175 gallons of cooking oil, 3,252 pounds of scrap metal and 14,338 pounds of electronics. Council Member Martin thanks the Solid Waste Management Department for coordinating the successful event, and all the hard-workingstudent volunteers who helped collect the recyclable materials.
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Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership’s 15th Annual State of the Counties Address
Council Member Martin attended the 15th Annual Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership’s (BayTran) State of the Counties Address on April 9 at Brady’s Landing in Southeast Houston. The event featured remarks from three county judges holding office in BayTran’s service area: The Honorable Ed Emmett, Harris County Judge; The Honorable Mark Henry, Galveston County Judge; and The Honorable E. J. “Joe” King, Brazoria County Judge, who each provided an update on infrastructure related projects and development occurring within their respective counties. During the program, John D. Kennedy, Commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority, was also presented the Charles A. Jacobson Award for his committed service to promoting the commercial growth and development of the Bay Area.
Council Member Martin thanks the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership for organizing the annual address and for its work in promotinginfrastructure development and commercial wellbeing of Houston’s Bay Area. He also thanks the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) for inviting him to join their table at the event. |
Exploration Green Groundbreaking
On Saturday, April 12, Council Member Martin attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Exploration Green, a 200-acre storm water detention, recreation and conservation space in Clear Lake designed by the Exploration Green Conservancy and the Clear Lake City Water Authority. At the ceremony, Council Member Martin presented a certificate of special recognition to the Conservancy for its dedicated work promoting green space in the Clear Lake Area. Council Member Martin’s colleagues, Council Members Mike Laster, Jack Christie and David Robinson, were also in attendance at the event.
The April 12 groundbreaking marks the initiation of the project’s first phase, which involves the conversion of the area surrounding the Clear Lake Recreation Center and includes the removal of 400,000 yards of soil to create the flood detention zone. The first phase of the five step project will also include the construction of a main entrance to the space, an eight acre lake, a one mile hike and bike trail, a walking path, forested areas, athletic fields and a parking lot. Phase one is expected to be complete in 2-3 years.
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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s “Pumps & Pipes” Meeting
On April 23, Council Member Martin attended the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP)’s “Pumps and Pipes” general membership meeting at the Lakewood Yacht Club. The event featured Dr. Alan Lumsden, co-founder of the Pumps & Pipes program and Professor & Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and the Medical Director of the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center at the Methodist Hospital. Dr. Lumsden presented an overview of the program and its collaborative successes.
The Pumps & Pipes program was created as a problem-solving forum to analyze issues relevant to the medicine, oil & gas and aerospace industries, which often develop parallel technologies but do not often collaborate to promote the discussion of opposite industry counterparts and explore complementary technologies. By holding these collaborative meetings, BAHEP affords leaders from the these three industries the opportunity to share crossover technologies and spur innovation and out-of-the-box development within their respective fields.
Council Member Martin thanks BAHEP for facilitating this important collaboration for the betterment of these three industries crucial to Houston’s economic health. He also thanks Dr. Lumsden for his initiative in leading the Pumps & Pipes program and BAHEP President Bob Mitchell for the invitation to join their table at the event.
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NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft Moved to Space Center Houston
Between 9:30 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. on the nights of April 28 and 29, the Boeing 747 that served as NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for over 30 years was moved from Ellington Airport to its final resting place at Space Center Houston, where it will be included in a new $12 million, six-story display opening to the public in early 2015. The historic aircraft, which had been dissembled into seven separate pieces for transport by Boeing crews, completed the careful 8-mile journey down HWY 3 and NASA Parkway at approximately three miles per hour. Leading up to the move, around 45 parties participated in the planning and coordination process, including the City of Houston’s Public Works and Engineering Department, the Houston Police Department, the City of Webster, Ellington Airport, Space Center Houston and a number of additional agencies and contractors.
Council Member Martin thanks all of the parties involved in this lengthy and complicated process and the first responders who dedicated their time and effort to ensure that the move was executed seamlessly. Council Member Martin’s office will continue to provide the public with updates as we approach the opening of the new exhibit that will feature the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in addition to the full-sized space shuttle mock-up “Independence” at Space Center Houston next year. |
City Council Passes CIP Funding for Arlington Heights Drainage Project On Wednesday, April 30, City Council passed an ordinance appropriating $396,000 out of the city’s Fund 4042 – Street & Traffic Control and Storm Drainage to finance the preliminary design of a Capital Improvement Project in the Arlington Heights area located in the southern part of District E. The project seeks to address and reduce the risk of structural flooding in the area by modifying street conveyance and sheet flow, in addition to providing detention as needed for flood mitigation. The appropriations passed by Council approved a Professional Engineering Contract between the City of Houston and HR Green, INC to complete the Preliminary Design phase of the project. Council Member Martin’s office will continue to keep the public updated as this Capital Improvement Project continues to progress. |
Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s General Membership Luncheon  Council Member Martin attended the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly General Membership Luncheon on April 30 at the South Shore Harbour Resort. This month’s featured speaker was Dr. William Staples, President of the University of Houston – Clear Lake (UHCL), who delivered an update on the past, present and future of the university and addressed UHCL’s downward expansion as it prepares to begin offering freshman and sophomore level courses in the fall of 2014. Council Member Martin thanks the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for holding its monthly luncheons to inform members the community on exciting projects relating to economic growth and development in the region. He also thanks Dr. Staples for the update on the University of Houston – Clear Lake and for his leadership directing the institution.
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Council Member Martin Celebrates the Opening of the Houston Permitting Center Clear Lake
 Council Member Martin, in coordination with the Public Works and Engineering Department and the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, will celebrate the opening of the Houston Permitting Center’s newest location in Clear Lake at 1335 Regents Park Drive, Suite 130, during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Local business owners and residents are invited to attend to tour the new facility and to learn more about the services that are offered.
During Fiscal Year 2014 discussions, Council Member Martin presented an amendment to Mayor Annise Parker’s Administration to reassign two Houston Permitting Center employees to a satellite location in Clear Lake to serve the growing permitting needs of the community. After passing a two year lease agreement through City Council in March, Council Member Martin’s office has been actively working with the Public Works and Engineering Department to open the doors to this new center. Council Member Martin hopes the new satellite location will provide excellent customer service while aiding residents in achieving their goals within the city’s requirements.
The Houston Permitting Center, Clear Lake office will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
For additional information, please contact Council Member Martin’s office at (832) 393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.
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Aeros and Autos
Save the date! On Saturday, May 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Houston Airport System will host the 6 th Annual Aeroes and Autos event at Ellington Airport. As its name suggests, the yearly family-friendly event presents exciting activities relating to airplanes and automobiles such as a car show and static aircraft displays. Exhibiting organizations include the Houston Police Department, the United States Coast Guard, NASA, the Collings Foundation, the Commemorative Air Force, the Lone Star Flight Museum and more. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Texas Lions Camp, an organization dedicated to assisting physically disabled, hearing/vision impaired and diabetic children from the State of Texas. For more information, please visit: www.aerosandautos.com.
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Welcome Captain Mark Fougerousse to the Houston Police Department’s Kingwood Substation 
Council Member Martin welcomes Captain Mark Fougerousse to the Houston Police Department’s Kingwood Substation, where he transferred on April 12. Captain Fougerousse comes to Kingwood from HPD’s Clear Lake Substation, where he served the constituents of District E for the past few years. Over the course of his tenure as the commanding officer in Clear Lake, Captain Fougerousse worked closely with Council Member Martin and his staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community. While Captain Fougerousse’s dedicated service will be missed in the Clear Lake area, Council Member Martin is happy to see him remain within District E to ably serve the people of Kingwood. Council Member Martin also congratulates Jerome Stevens on his promotion to Captain of the Clear Lake Substation after the April 12 transfer, and thanks the outgoing Captain of the Kingwood HPD Substation, Matthew May, for his invaluable service to the community.
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Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Kingwood BizCom
Staff from Council Member Martin’s office  attended the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Kingwood BizCom on April 3 at Kingwood Park High School. The meeting, which was presented by Kingwood Pines Hospital, was open to the public and featured remarks from key members of the Kingwood community who delivered updates on various projects underway in the area.
Melinda Stephenson, CEO of Kingwood Medical Center, spoke about the upcoming additions to the medical complex’s campus including the new Women & Children’s Center opening on May 1 and the new medical office building opening in May as well. Next, Andrew Schreer, CEO of Schreer Partnerships, discussed the current redesign of the Kingwood Shopping Center located at the corner of Kingwood Drive and Chestnut Ridge Road. Monty Galland, CEO of GT Operating Company, also provided an update on the planned development of the Grand Texas Sports and Entertainment District, a collection of attractions expected to open in the spring of 2015 by the intersection of Highway 242 and US 59. Heath Rushing, COO of Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital, followed with an update on two projects currently underway: an expansion of the hospital’s operating room facilities to accommodate growth in its surgical staff and capabilities and a new clinic location opening up in the Kingwood Town Center where Blockbuster previously was located. Charlie Dromgoole, CEO of the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce & Lake Houston Economic Development Partnership, additionally spoke about the economic development of the Kingwood area. Lastly, Jenna Armstrong, COO of the Lake Houston Area Chamber, discussed Leadership Lake Houston, a leadership development program that seeks to educate involved members of the Lake Houston area on a variety of topics relevant to the community such as economic development, healthcare and social justice.
Council Member Martin thanks Kingwood Park High School for hosting the event, as well as the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing the informative meetings. To learn more about each of these projects, please click here.
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6th Annual Lake Houston Family YMCA’s “Dancing For Partners” Event  Council Member Martin delivered the opening prayer at the 6th Annual Lake Houston Family YMCA’s “Dancing For Partners” event on April 24 at the Humble Civic Center. The event, which benefitted the Lake Houston Family YMCA’s annual campaign, featured energetic performances, a light dinner and a live silent auction in addition to the participation of a variety of leaders from schools, businesses and organizations in the area as the 2014 community performers. Council Member Martin thanks the Lake Houston Family YMCA for hosting the annual event and for its important role providing valuable support and programming to families in the Lake Houston community.
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Council Member Martin Presents Proclamation at Christ the King Lutheran Church’s 3rd Annual Holocaust March of Remembrance  On Saturday, April 26, Council Member Martin presented a proclamation on behalf of the City of Houston at the 3rd Annual Holocaust March of Remembrance at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kingwood. The event began with a memorial service, during which Al Marks, Holocaust survivor of four concentration camps, and Steve Finkelman, second generation of Holocaust survivors, offered testimonies. Participants holding flags from various nations and religions then embarked on a 1.7 mile march of remembrance along Lake Houston Parkway.
Council Member Martin was honored to participate in the event on behalf of the city and to speak with the Holocaust survivors in attendance, in addition to the Director of Cultural Affairs of the Israeli Consulate, Guy Cohen. He thanks all who turned out for showing solidarity with the cause and the representatives from Christ the King Lutheran Church for facilitating his involvement in the March. |
Kingwood BOPA Recycling Event  On Saturday, April 26, the Kingwood Batteries, Oil, Paint and Anti-Freeze (BOPA) recycling event was held at the Kingwood Metro Park & Ride. Over 24,000 pounds of recyclable materials were collected in total from 420 vehicles, including 16,380 pounds of latex paint, 1350 pounds of anti-freeze, 2250 pounds of motor oil, 1229 pounds of batteries and 3065 pounds of scrap metal and appliances. Council Member Martin thanks all of the volunteers who made the effort possible, including representatives from the City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department and members of the Houston Police Department. Council Member Martin also extends a special thanks to the volunteers at Keep Kingwood Green for their involvement coordinating and executing the event and for their tireless work keeping Kingwood beautiful.
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Generation Park Update
Staff from Council Member Martin’s office attended the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Third Tuesday luncheon on April 15, where an update was presented on Generation Park, a new large-scale commercial and industrial development in northeast Houston. Spanning 4,000 acres adjacent to the master-planned Summerwood community by Beltway 8, Generation Park will feature an 103-acre industrial park; a 100-acre campus park; multiple distribution centers; roughly 2.5 acres of select-service hotels; 3.7 acres of Class A office buildings; a 52-acre “Corporate Lifestyle” center complete with a variety of amenities; and a tax-free” foreign trade zone.” Major developers have also purchased land in the surrounding areas and plan to construct 11,000 new homes in addition to 10 acres of high-end multifamily condominiums to be constructed within Generation Park.
The first phase of the construction of the massive development began in 2012, with the entire project scheduled to take over 35 years to complete. Phase 1, currently underway, has begun to lay the infrastructural groundwork for Generation Park, with work being done to install water mains, sanitary lines, underground electrical ducts and other essential components. Other elements of Phase 1 include the construction of fourlane-miles of divided boulevards, the construction of a 55-acre detention pond, and the widening of North Lake Houston Parkway in addition to Lockwood Road. Council Member Martin’s office will continue to monitor this exciting development in the Lake Houston area and will provide the public with updates as the construction on Generation Park progresses.
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Feral Hogs
Having informed the public about the Sus scrofa, or Feral Hog, earlier this year, Council Member Martin’s Office wants to once again relay some useful information about the species and how to best deal with it as feral hog populations begin to make a comeback approaching summer.
Feral hogs are opportunistic generalists, meaning they will eat just about anything. Females are capable of producing one to two litters of four to six piglets each year. Some say six are born and twelve survive, while researchers suggest that their reproductive capabilities are more than four times higher than native ungulates such as deer and javelina. Feral hogs can often be found no more than a few miles from water. Riparian areas (areas that separate adjacent uplands from creeks and rivers) are prime feral hog habitat and riparian corridors serve as feral hog highways, linking rural feral hog populations with urban habitats. This has led to the proliferation of urban feral hog reports in the news.
Four legal methods are available to reduce feral hog populations in Texas: trapping, shooting, snaring and the use of dogs. Concerns for public safety and local laws hinder most of these techniques from being used in urban environments. Trapping and the use of exclusion fencing are the two primary techniques available to urban residents. While exclusion fencing does nothing to reduce feral hog numbers, it can reduce or eliminate the damage they cause. Trapping can be quite effective when properly conducted. Best management practices suggest a four-step approach to reducing feral hog populations using a corral trap: 1. pre-baiting and conditioning hogs to a bait site; 2. assessing hog response to baiting; 3. constructing an appropriate sized corral trap and; 4. commencing trapping operations. For in-depth information on the corral trapping process visit our website:feralhogs.tamu.edu/publications.
Be aware of feral hogs but not be afraid of them; their natural behavior is to flee and avoid confrontation if they are given sufficient room to escape. A unified effort is needed to reduce feral hog populations in Texas. We offer feral hog educational programs and technical assistance for land managers throughout the state, free of charge.
For assistance, please contact Mary Tyson at (979) 845-4698 ormark.tyson@ag.tamu.edu. |
Save the Date: Kingwood Mobility Study Public Meeting 
Council Member Martin would like to inform residents of a public meeting that will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, regarding the recent findings of the Kingwood Mobility Study that will be presented by Gunda Corporation, LLC. The purpose of this meeting is to share the data and information that was collected by traffic counters, including cameras and road tubes, across the Kingwood community in February, to share proposed solutions and to provide a forum to gather public input. All comments collected at this meeting will be taken into consideration when evaluating the final Traffic Improvement Plan.
The primary objective of this comprehensive study is to identify short, medium and long range projects intended to address growth of the community and promote better mobility in the Kingwood area. It is Council Member Martin’s goal to ensure that all Kingwood residents have a voice and an opportunity to review the potential solutions that would help mitigate the current traffic congestion and improve accessibility. Any questions, concerns or suggestions for traffic improvement in Kingwood relating to the mobility plan currently being evaluated can be sent to: |
Mayor Annise Parker Delivers “State of the City” Address
 Council Member Martin was in attendance as Mayor Annise Parker delivered her annual “State of the City” address at the Hilton Americas on April 3.Mayor Parker highlighted many of the ways in which Houston is currently thriving citing the strong economy, the expansion of Hobby Airport with the addition of the airport’s new international terminal and the success the city has had in bringing attractions like the 2017 Super Bowl to Houston. Additionally, Mayor Parker discussed major goals she is hoping to pursue in the remaining two years of her final term. These goals include her intention to develop a comprehensive plan to improve the city’s bikeways, developing a “cultural plan” solidifying Houston’s standing as a destination for the arts, and a new “Master Plan” to guide the development of additional park space within the city. Beyond planning, the Mayor also emphasized her focus on continuing the eradication of chronic homelessness in the city.
For more information and to view Mayor Parker’s State of the City address as well as a post interview with Council Member Martin, please click here. |
39th Annual Greater Houston Prayer Breakfast
On April 16 at the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel, Council Member Martin attended the 39th Annual Greater Houston Prayer Breakfast, an event which brings together area business leaders with city, county, state and federal elected officials to celebrate faith and public service. The featured speaker at this year’s breakfast was Lee Strobel, a New York Times best-selling author who formerly worked as the award-winning legal editor at The Chicago Tribue.Mr. Strobel also serves as Professor of Christian Thought at Houston Baptist University. Council Member Martin thanks the Greater Houston Prayer Breakfast for putting on the enjoyable event again this year and Mr. Strobel for his insightful remarks. |
Gary L. Blankinship Sworn in as United States Marshal for the Southern District of Texas
On April 17, Council Member Martin attendedformer Houston Police Officers’ Union President, Gary L. Blankinship’s, swearing in ceremony as a United States Marshal for the Southern District of Texas. Marshal Blankenship had a distinguished 35-year career in law enforcement, and served not only as the president of HPOU, but also as the vice-president of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). In 1993, after the death of his partner, Marshal Blankinship additionally founded the Assist the Officer Foundation to provide immediate short-term financial assistance for officers critically injured or disabled in the line of duty. Council Member Martin congratulates Marshal Blankinship on his appointment to this honorable role and thanks him for his continued service to the region and to the United States of America.
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Congratulations to 2013 Houston Police Department Officer of the Year Javier A. Calvillo  Council Member Martin congratulates Houston Police Department Officer Javier A. Calvillo for receiving the 21st Annual Lynn B. Clooney Memorial Award as the Houston Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association’s 2013 Officer of the Year. Officer Calvillo, who serves in HPD’s Clear Lake Division, was honored by his sergeant, Sergeant T.W. Anderson, in a ceremony on April 17 at the Houston Police Officers’ Union headquarters.
In June 2013, Officer Calvillo saved the life of a woman experiencing a seizure by making sure her airway was clear of any objects and keeping her calm until the Houston Fire Department arrived. In December 2013, Officer Calvillo apprehended two suspects breaking into vehicles at a shopping center while he worked an overtime Christmas program. The suspects were charged with felony Attempted Auto Theft and Officer Calvillo received a Houston Police Department Field Commendation for outstanding police action taken to make the City of Houston a safer place for its citizens. Officer Calvillo has additionally exhibited excellence as a Field Training Officer, a role in which he trains new Probationary Officers after graduating from the Houston Police Academy. He has also proven one of the most successful members of the Houston Police Department in enforcing traffic violations, having arrested and charged more than 25 drivers for driving while intoxicated in a four-month period.
Council Member Martin commends Officer Calvillo for his dedicated service as an exemplary member of the Houston Police Department and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor. |
Houston Realty Business Coalition Breakfast
 Council Member Martin attended the Houston Realty Business Coalition (HRBC)’s monthly breakfast on Thursday, April 17 at the Junior League of Houston where Mayor Annise Parker was thefeatured guest speaker. Founded in 1967, the HRBC holds its signature breakfast meetings on the third Thursday of each month to discuss timely subjects relating to real estate and development and to promote dialogue between Houston’s elected officials and leaders in the real estate industry including appraisers, commercial and residential brokers, architects, engineers, contractors, developers, home builders and more. Council Member Martin thanks the Houston Realty Business Coalition for putting on the monthly event and for its work facilitating communication between Houston’s business community and its public officials.
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4th Annual Mayor’s Earth Day Breakfast
On Tuesday, April 22, Council Member Martin celebrated Earth Day by attending the 4th Annual Mayor’s Earth Day breakfast. The yearly event, hosted by Mayor Annise Parker, serves as a celebration of Earth Day and its mission, in addition to recognizing companies and organizations that have contributed to the pursuit of environmental sustainability in Houston. The breakfast also serves as an opportunity to announce upcoming initiatives throughout the city that relate to the goals of sustainability and environmental awareness. Council Member Martin thanks Mayor Parker for hosting the annual event and for all of the organizations that work to keep Houston green. |
Council Member Martin Presents Proclamation to Harris County – Houston Sports Authority
At the public session of City Council on April 29, Council Member Martin presented a proclamation to the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority for being named the “Sports Commission of the Year” by the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC). The NASC, made up of over 750 sports commissions, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, universities, collegiate conferences, event owners, and suppliers, has been presenting awards since 2002 to recognize the economic impact, sporting event expertise and leadership members exhibit in their respective communities. This is the first time the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority has received the “Sports Commission of the Year” honor.
On July 29 and 30, 1997, the Harris County Commissioners Court and the Houston City Council passed Concurrent Orders creating the sports and community venue district known as the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, effective September 1, 1997. Since that date, the Authority has worked to provide Houston with state-of-the-art sports facilities and to enable the city to bring in major sporting, entertainment and convention events that spur economic development in the region.
Council Member Martin once again congratulates the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority on receiving this great honor, and thanks the Authority for the excellent work it does facilitating the amazing sporting events and venues that residents of the City of Houston continue to enjoy.
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National Water Safety Month Tips 
May is National Water Safety Month, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) has some important tips to ensure the safe enjoyment of water-related activities. The ISHOF recommends teaching children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible. However, the ISHOF instructs adults to not rely on swimming lessons or flotation devices to ensure the safety of children in the water; direct supervision is always necessary. On the topic of child water safety, the ISHOF also suggests installing four-sided fencing with self-latching gates to isolate the body of water from the yard or house, and equipping doors and windows that lead to bodies of water with alarms. Regarding general water safety, the ISHOF emphasizes the importance of learning CPR and having first-aid and rescue equipment nearby at all times. The ISHOF additionally notes that in dealing with water-related emergencies, time is of the essence – when a child is missing, the ISHOF suggests always checking the pool first. According to the ISHOF, having a waterside phone with emergency numbers programmed in on speed dial is another way to save time in the event of a water-related emergency. For more water safety tips, visit www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org/water-safety-tips.
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Hurricane Preparedness
The 2014 hurricane season is approaching, and Council Member Martin encourages all constituents in District E to take the necessary precautions to prepare. The City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management suggests that each family develop and review an emergency plan and stay attentive to various local news sources throughout the season to learn about impending storms. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management further recommends building a disaster supply kit in advance with food, water, first aid supplies, important family documents and other necessities. It is also recommended that individuals keep at least half a gas of tank in their cars at all times throughout hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) and know proper evacuation routes. For a comprehensive map of evacuation zones by zip code, please click here.
To view additional information and resources from the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, go to www.readyharris.org. |
Nurse Health Line
Residents of Houston, Harris County and the eight surrounding counties now have a new healthcare resource available: the Nurse Health Line, a 24-hour Nurse Triage Call Center offering assistance with healthcare questions and advice on places to receive care. A bilingual staff is available on the line 24 hours a day, every day, at 713-338-7979 to assess caller’s primary health concerns and direct them to the appropriate resources. Aid will be rendered regardless of a caller’s healthcare affiliation, primary care provider or insurance status, and all calls to the Nurse Health Line are confidential.
According to a study conducted by the University of Texas School of Public Health, more than 46 percent of the patients treated and released from emergency rooms in Harris County are primary care treatable. By providing the clinical knowledge necessary to assess the severity of less emergent conditions and identify appropriate care centers, the Nurse Health Line seeks to promote the efficient use of emergency rooms in Houston and the surrounding counties, potentially saving the region a significant amount in health cost savings.
Though it provides healthcare advice from registered professionals, the Nurse Health Line is not meant to assist with life-threatening emergencies or conditions. People with life-threatening emergencies or conditions should call 911 immediately.
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City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Master Plan Update
The City of Houston’s Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) is in the process of evaluating the city’s Parks Master Plan, which will guide the department in managing the growth of the city’s parks system for the next 20 years. The plan is designed to be a living document updated every five years to stay current, and since the last update the city has been divided into 21 Park Sectors. In the upcoming adjustment to the Parks Master Plan, HAPRD will be addressing the needs identified within these different sectors. Citizen input and participation is crucial to the success of this process, and to help shape the most recent version of the plan, residents of District E can:
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