The following is from Houston City Council Member Melissa Noriega:
If you are reading this, you are blessed--you are connected!
Just a few things for your reading audience: There is beginning to be ice and water coming in. Some stores are starting to open. We know the water is low and everyone is out of power. The water is a high priority and the power is working as fast as CenterPoint can...there are folks from other areas helping.
Stay put. Check on your neighbors. 311 is down; 911 works--only use in real emergency, NOT for low water pressure or questions about where to get ice. Watch for Sonics opening--they make their own ice. There is additional flooding and the roads are dangerous.
There are folks in a few of the Council offices--the number is 832-393-3005 here, but I am leaving soon to head to the George R. Brown to help there. If you need something, contact whatever local official you can, or call and we will see what we can do to help. I am certain there will be staff in council offices tomorrow--call numbers until you get an answer on Monday, if you don't get anyone today. (I am not sure how long anyone will be here, so if you don't get someone, don't count on a message.)
George R. Brown has opened as a shelter. HISD is closed tomorrow. Stay out of downtown--it is a mess.
If your burglar alarm system is beeping (the house system, not a smoke alarm!), go find the box in a closet or where ever it is, open it (may need a screwdriver) and disconnect one of the 12V batteries inside. It should stop beeping. Reconnect when your power goes on (be careful) and it will recharge in 24 hours.
Frozen food in a full freezer will last 48 hours; half full--only 24. Cook it if you can and give to your neighbors. Fridge stuff--only 4 hours. Time to throw the mayo away. Mustard and ketchup are probably ok!
It looks like Bolivar is gone--anyone have real info, let me know. We probably lost a house we have had 40 years, and it is a grief. Otherwise, this could be a lot worse. The City and the County did a terrific job! It is easy to lose sight of how grateful we should be to be alive in the misery of no air and spoiled food, but we are very fortunate. All of us, and especially folks reading on the internet--be grateful for every day. Let's help each other.
God bless Houston, and God bless Texas!