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National Hurricane Preparedness Week: Get Ready for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Houston, Texas — As National Hurricane Preparedness Week kicks off from May 5 to 11, Harris County officials urge residents to gear up for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1.

Mark Sloan, the Emergency Management Coordinator for Harris County, emphasized the importance of early preparations.

“With less than a month until the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, [Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management] urges all residents to begin preparing now,” Sloan stated.

“Being prepared is a shared responsibility, and everyone needs to do their part.”

To assist residents in their preparedness efforts, HCOHSEM is providing a range of tips and resources. The tips, laid out in detail ahead, include creating a disaster supply kit, developing a personalized emergency plan, and staying informed about weather updates and evacuation procedures.

One key aspect is distinguishing weather terms and taking appropriate actions based on warnings, watches, advisories, and outlooks, according to the Harris officials. Additionally, residents are encouraged to identify their evacuation zone and familiarize themselves with evacuation routes.

“Preparing your home, securing loose objects, and weatherproofing are crucial steps in ensuring safety during severe weather,” Sloan emphasized. Furthermore, HCOHSEM advises homeowners, renters, and business owners to consider purchasing flood insurance and to check the status of their policies regularly.

As part of their outreach efforts, HCOHSEM is promoting the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry. STEAR is a service designed to assist residents with access and functional needs during emergencies. Signing up with STEAR or calling 2-1-1 can provide individuals with vital assistance and transportation options if needed.

“It only takes one storm to devastate our community,” Sloan added. “We may not be able to prevent these storms, but we can take the appropriate steps to prepare.”

To stay updated and informed, residents can follow HCOHSEM updates on www.ReadyHarris.org, social media platforms, and by signing up for Ready Harris Alerts. For specific 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season updates, individuals can text GULF2024 to 888777.

Tips from HCOHSEM to prepare for hurricane season

  • Preparing your home. Take some time to strengthen your home prior to severe weather. Secure loose objects outside of your home and weatherproof the exterior.
  • Buying flood insurance. Homeowners, renters, and business owners are encouraged to buy flood insurance through their insurance agent. Residents who may already have coverage should check the status of their policy to be sure it has not lapsed. Remember that flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) normally carry a 30-day waiting period and are not sold when there is an active tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico. For more information, visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
  • Knowing your weather terms. Weather terms have different meanings and require specific actions. Do you know the difference between a warning, watch, advisory, and outlook?
  • Knowing your evacuation zone. Residents who live in an evacuation zone need to learn their evacuation routes and follow instructions from local authorities. To determine if your home is located in an evacuation zone, check the Zip Zone Evacuation Map. 
  • Keeping your gas tank at least half full. If an evacuation is ordered, gas stations may be closed. Make sure you have enough fuel to reach your destination.
  • Signing up with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) online or calling 2-1-1 to register. STEAR is a free service available to residents with access and functional needs, and individuals who may need transportation assistance.

Que onda with Harris County? Keep up with all Harris County news on our Que Onda website.

Troy Finner retires as HPD chief, mayor’s email to police staffers says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Troy Finner, the city of Houston’s chief of police for the last three years, has retired amid questions about whether he was aware of a code that suspended more than 260,000 cases years sooner than the timeline he gave to the public.

Eyewitness News obtained an email by Mayor John Whitmire sent late Tuesday night to Houston Police Department employees, informing them of the change at the top. Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite will serve as acting police chief, as stated in the email.

In March 2021, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner handpicked Finner to take over the department in America’s fourth-largest city, overseeing more than 5,300 officers and another 1,200 civilian support staff, according to HPD’s website.

Finner’s stint crossed over into John Whitmire’s mayoral administration that began this year. By month two of the former state senator’s time in office, the chief revealed thousands of sexual assault investigations were suspended due to lack of personnel, which was attached with “SL” coding.

In the weeks following the mid-February revelation, Finner announced the true scope of the suspended cases which involved more than 264,000 investigations suspended since 2016 due to a lack of personnel.

SEE MORE: HPD says over 81K reports reviewed of the 264K cases suspended due to lack of personnel

While Art Acevedo served as chief at the beginning of that timeline, ABC13 pressed Finner about when he became aware of the cases and his actions to resolve the unsolved.

Hours before Finner’s dismissal was revealed to HPD staffers, 13 Investigates reported about a 2018 email that called into question when Finner first heard a case was suspended.

During a March 7 news conference, Finner told reporters he was first aware of the code in November 2021 and ordered his leaders never to use it again. But, an email 13 Investigates obtained shows he knew of the code being used at least once in 2018.

The July 20, 2018, email was addressed to several high-ranking HPD leaders, including Acevedo and Finner, who was an executive assistant chief back then.

The email mentions a specific road rage case marked “Suspended-Lack of Personnel.” It details that the case was labeled that way, even though a witness identified a suspect.

Finner responds to the email, saying, “This is unacceptable, look into it and follow up with me.”

The email does not flag issues with the suspended code or address how often it is used.

After the report, Finner released a statement, insisting he had no recollection of the email until Tuesday.

The email to staffers Tuesday night doesn’t go into specifics for the chief’s dismissal.

As of late Tuesday, Finner and Mayor Whitmire have yet to give statements after the leadership change.

Any victims whose contact information has changed since the time of their report can call (713) 308-1180 or email specialvictimsreport@houstonpolice.org.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Deputies seek murder suspect after woman’s body found in field near Livingston

LIVINGSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Deputies say a man wanted for murder could be in the greater Houston area.

De’Andre Shermail Wright, 23, is accused of killing a woman whose body was found on Monday in a wooded area off US-59, just a few miles north of Livingston.

The victim, Jasmine Muldoon, had been reported missing on Sunday, May 5. An investigation is underway to determine her cause of death.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a first degree felony murder warrant has been filed for Wright.

Wright is described as a Black man, 5’11”, and 200 pounds.

Anyone with information about where he might be is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 327-6810. You can also submit an anonymous tip at p3tips.com, on the P3 App, or call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 936-327-STOP. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may collect a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.

Deputies warn that if you see Wright, you should not approach him and instead, immediately contact the closest law enforcement agency.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Man accused of killing woman before stealing patrol car during shootout near Texas Medical Center

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A man accused of murdering a woman got away from law enforcement during a shootout near the Texas Medical Center overnight, according to police.

Houston police said firefighters were at the Shell gas station on Almeda Road at North MacGregor Drive around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday when they witnessed some kind of domestic disturbance between a man and a woman.

The man allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the woman at least nine times. She was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The firefighters flagged down a Harris County Precinct 7 constable deputy, who tried to conduct a traffic stop up the street from the gas station, but the suspect immediately fired shots, police said. That’s when the deputy fired back.

Somehow, the suspect was able to get into the deputy’s vehicle and drive away during the exchange of gunfire, according to HPD.

The suspect drove away but soon returned to the scene, where he had another shootout with the deputy, police said. The suspect then got back into his own vehicle and fled.

“The suspect was gone for a short period of time and then returned to the scene. There was another gun fight with the deputy. The suspect then got into the vehicle and left the location,” Asst. Chief Jessica Anderson with HPD said.

“The deputy is currently at the hospital undergoing medical evaluation to ensure that he is OK. After returning gunfire, the deputy did suffer some small injuries,” Cpt. Marcus Grant with Pct. 7 said.

Investigators said the deputy is a 14-year veteran with the department.

The suspect reportedly fled in a black Chevy Camaro after returning to the gas station and ditching the deputy’s vehicle, police said.

In a later update, HPD confirmed that the Camaro had been found, though the suspect was still wanted. Investigators also confirmed that the vehicle was registered to the woman who died.

While the suspect’s name hasn’t been released, investigators said they do have a an idea of who he is. The wanted suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

For news updates, follow Brandon Hamilton on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

More HISD job cuts stun employees who serve low-income students: ‘No one is really safe’

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — More job cuts from Houston ISD came as a shock for the group of employees who were informed last week that their positions would be eliminated, partly to make up for a $450 million budget deficit in the district.

These employees are wraparound resource specialists working with economically disadvantaged students on poverty-related issues. Some of the services they provide include transportation, clothing, shelter, special needs support, mental health resources, food pantries, and telehealth services.

One of them spoke to ABC13 under the condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation.

“It’s super sad. These families that we help are the most vulnerable to HISD. They need the help on campus because they don’t have a vehicle and can’t go outside the school to find these resources. The closest place they have is the school, which is basically a sanctuary for them and it’s being taken away. It’s going to affect their schooling,” the specialist said.

SEE ALSO: HISD could face deficit of $280 million if changes not made before the 2025 school year, report says

She said most of the district’s specialists, including her, were informed in a Zoom call last Thursday that their employment would be terminated at the end of the school year.

“When we initially received notice that there were going to be budget cuts in HISD, we heard rumors. Every time we asked our superiors what was going on, they would tell us not to worry. We were assured that things were okay and we weren’t going to be cut. That’s why this was a surprise,” the employee said. “This is a sign that no one is really safe. There is a lot of uncertainty.”

Superintendent Mike Miles has previously blamed the budget shortfall on financial decisions made by the previous administration. The district said it’s also due to declining student enrollment, COVID relief money running out, and failure from the state to increase public school funding after 2019.

READ MORE: HISD announces no school closures for 2024-2025 among other details on managing district’s budget

In a statement, an HISD spokesperson wrote, “Like most school districts, HISD is being forced to make some very difficult budget decisions for next school year. State funding for education has not increased, and time-limited COVID aid from the federal government (known as ESSER) ends with this school year.”

The district spokesperson explained that since wraparound supports at the campus level have been funded by ESSER and since that money will not be available going forward, the positions will be reduced to a division and district level for next school year.

“As we’ve said previously, the district is working to keep cuts as far away from kids and classrooms as possible and is continuing to invest in our teachers and leaders. Many HISD departments are seeing a reduction in force and that process has been ongoing since January. HISD will support impacted employees who wish to remain at the district in pursuing open positions in other departments,” an HISD spokesperson said.

SEE ALSO: ‘Is this for real?’ HISD uses prerecorded video announcing special education teachers’ job cuts

Jessica Sanchez said she and her friend each have four kids in HISD, and these specialists have helped them through extremely tough times. She told ABC13 in Spanish that she doesn’t know what they’ll do if they lose access to these services.

“I was thinking that maybe I will need to look for help in other places, like a church. It was so easy to have that help right at the school. It was perfect,” Sanchez said.

HISD would not answer inquiries about how many wraparound resource specialist positions they will cut or what is in the next round of budget cuts. Those whose jobs will be eliminated said their last day of work will be June 28.

For more on this story, follow Rosie Nguyen on FacebookX and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

HPD review of suspended code lands charge for Turkey Leg Hut co-founder

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Sources tell 13 Investigates that the Houston Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is recommending two current and four former officers be reprimanded for the use of a “suspended – lack of personnel” code.

The recommendations are still being reviewed by an Independent Police Oversight Board and the Administration Disciplinary Committee, so nothing is finalized yet.

In a statement released last week on X, formerly known as Twitter, HPD said it is addressing questions from the committee, which is reviewing the IAD investigation into the suspended code.

“This includes taking additional investigative steps, such as collecting statements and re-interviewing when necessary. This is how the process is intended to work,” according to the HPD statement.

In the meantime, our investigative team has learned more about new charges filed as investigators continue to review the 260,000 incident reports that were sidelined due to lack of staff.

13 Investigates now knows at least 50 suspects have been charged as police revisit these cases, including a misdemeanor assault charge against Turkey Leg Hut co-founder Lyndell Price from an incident earlier this year.

Antonio Jackson said in late January he was having drinks at the Tipsy Lounge with two potential business associates, when all of a sudden he found himself in the middle of a bar brawl.

“He was on top of me, choking me outside the bar, and he was pushing my face down the concrete, which is the reason why I have the scar and stuff like that,” Jackson said. “The next day I was in really severe pain with my knee, and then my face was really messed up.”

Jackson said the incident also left him with tearing and spraining ligaments in his knee.

Antonio reported the incident to HPD a few days after it happened, but we’re now learning his case was marked with the code that suspends a case because of a lack of personnel.

“I didn’t know that it was suspended. I just thought that they were just not taking it seriously,” he said.

A few weeks after the incident, HPD Chief Troy Finner ordered the suspended code to never be used again and for all 260,000-plus incident reports marked with it to be reviewed.

Jackson’s case was assigned to an investigator and Price was charged with misdemeanor assault.

WATCH: 13 Investigates’ report on Eyewitness News at 6 p.m.

Price and his attorney have yet to comment after we reached out.

“I’m very relieved, just to know that something is being done about it, but I feel sorry for the other people that (do) not have the same fortune to have their cases and things being taken care of, but as for me, I feel fortunate that I’m one of the lucky ones that it was taken seriously.”

13 Investigates has also learned two men have been charged with aggravated assault for shooting at a group attending a “13-year old’s birthday party” in July of last year.

During the incident, there were “bullets striking one male” as well as multiple vehicles and residences hit, all while “10 children were present,” according to court documents.

Those documents show the responding officers “detained and identified” the suspects, but they were let go.

The incident was labeled with the code, and nearly a year later charges have been filed.

HPD tells 13 Investigates the entire point of its review is to find out how a case like this one was ever marked with this code.

“I know they have a hard job and I know that they’re understaffed. I am aware of that also, so I just think that hopefully they can do a better job of recruiting, getting more people on the force, hiring more people and training them to deal with these issues so as a citizen of Houston, we can be taken care of and the citizens can feel like they’re being protected,” Jackson said.

Since Chief Finner announced cases were suspended due to lack of staff, the Houston Police Officers’ Union has been critical of HPD’s Internal Affairs investigation into the code and says an outside agency should be doing that work.

On Monday, 13 Investigates obtained paperwork showing HPD’s Internal Affairs has launched a new investigation into the union president Douglas Griffith.

The investigation into him centers on a letter Griffith sent to union members last week in which he called into question the validity of the investigation into the code.

When we asked about this new investigation centered on the union president on Monday, HPD said it can’t comment on an ongoing internal investigation.

HPD is asking victims whose contact information has changed since the time of their report to call (713) 308-1180 or email specialvictimsreport@houstonpolice.org.

Contact 13 Investigates

Do you think your case was mishandled by HPD? Or are you an HPD whistleblower who wants to talk anonymously? Fill out the form below. (On mobile? You can open our form by tapping here.)

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Houston City Controller provides alternative scenarios to $650M settlement with Houston Professional Firefighters Union

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Houston City Controller Chris Hollins addressed the proposed $650 million settlement between the city and the Professional Fire Fighters Association in a recent briefing on Monday, emphasizing the importance of fair compensation for firefighters.

The deal, reached between Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Professional Firefighters Association back in March, includes back pay dating back to 2017 and raises over the next five years, totaling an estimated $1.5 billion when considering interest.

Hollins highlighted the salary disparity between Houston firefighters and their counterparts in other major Texas cities, noting that Houston firefighters earn about 10% less on average. Despite receiving 6% raises annually from 2022 to 2024, Houston firefighters still lag behind in salary compared to their peers. Hollins outlined a plan for incremental raises through 2029 to bring Houston firefighter salaries closer to the average of other cities.

The proposed settlement would increase the salary of first-year Houston firefighters to around $72,000 by 2029. Hollins suggested at least six alternative scenarios to mitigate the financial impact on the city while still improving firefighter pay, such as basing raises on the averages of other large fire departments in the state or aligning with the raises given to the Houston Police Department or other city workers.

Hollins referenced the HController.com/fire website for the public and interested parties to arrive with more scenarios and insights:  

“To arrive at a $1.2 billion settlement figure (the potential liabilty described by the Mayor and union leadership), HFD firefighters would had to receive a starting salary of $66,400 from FY2018-2024. This represents a 53% raise in FY2018.

In this scenario, the additional cost to the City would have been roughly $1 billion over that timeframe ($1.2 billion with interest).

-$290-300K per firefighter

-$41-43K per firefighter, per disputed year.”

Whitmire responded to Hollins’ proposals in a statement, defending the current settlement as the best available alternative to a potentially costly judgment after prolonged litigation. He emphasized that Texas law mandates firefighter pay comparisons with the private sector rather than the public sector.

In a statement, the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association criticized Hollins’ remarks, labeling them as “uninformed, misleading, and inaccurate.” The union’s president, Marty Lancton, expressed disappointment in Hollins’ comments, asserting that they undermine the dedication and sacrifice of Houston firefighters.

“Our commitment is to continue to work with… the mayor, city council and other stakeholders to put the city of Houston on a pathway to fiscal sustainability,” Hollins said at the public briefing. “That’s not an easy task, but my office is going to do its part to make sure that you all as policymakers are working with the same set of facts.”

City council members including Edward Pollard and Tiffany Thomas expressed interest in exploring alternative scenarios to reduce costs while still addressing firefighter compensation.

Keep up with Houston news, on our Que Onda website.

Mandatory evacuation orders in Harris County. lifted, but long recovery ahead after storms

KINGWOOD, Texas (KTRK) — Several Harris County officials, including Judge Lina Hidalgo and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, gave an update on the aftermath of storms that continued through the weekend.

According to officials, the county is now out of the woods as there are no more threats of rain, but the challenging part lies ahead: recovery.

“Good news is we are out of the woods,” Hidalgo said.

Hidalgo says the county is now in a “bridge phase.” They are pivoting from a response phase into recovery mode.

As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, the mandatory evacuation order was lifted, prompting displaced people to return home.

However, officials urged them to practice caution as water is still a problem. Those include the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, which should be accessible Tuesday, and the Rio Villa area, which still has impassable roads.

Officials said the Northshore neighborhood in Kingwood flooded late last week with water from the San Jacinto River, which is now falling faster than predicted.

Officials said the majority of the roadways in Kingwood are now clear. Still, Hidalgo stressed that for those who live in the West Fork portion, some roads are inaccessible.

While officials said there were no major injuries or deaths reported, the flooding brought water into many homes. Firefighters said the storms also caused a large oak tree to fall in the neighborhood.

READ MORE: Homeowners in Kingwood throwing away damaged belongings in flooded homes

Video from last week shows a Houston police officer saving a man and his three dogs from high water where the San Jacinto River enters Lake Houston.

ABC13 spoke to some homeowners who said they were experiencing flooding for the first time.

SEE ALSO: Evacuee forced to leave family dog behind is among flood emergency faces

“It was so emotional to go through this and just to see our belongings upside down,” said Steph Paulson, who just moved in four months ago.

“We don’t know what’s next. What should we tackle? We’re trying to like, get food and get to places, because we don’t have working septic or water,” Jon Paulson said.

Officials said on Monday that 233 people and 164 pets had been rescued across Harris County during the flooding.

For news updates, follow Brandon Hamilton on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

RELATED: Tree falls in Kingwood resident’s backyard as severe weather batters Houston, surrounding areas

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Isolated showers possible Monday, however, the flash flood threat is over

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The flash flood and severe weather threat is gone as drier weather finally begins to settle in.

The sky will remain mostly cloudy Monday morning as temperatures will hover in the low-mid 70s. A couple of sprinkles are possible Monday, so we’ll keep a 20% chance for rain, though heavy rain is not expected. We should see a mix of sun and clouds and a southerly breeze for Monday with average high temperatures in the mid 80s.

What’s the flood outlook for this week?

After multiple rounds of heavy rainfall last week, we are also closely monitoring some of our creeks and rivers heading into flood stages – some into the major flood stage – as that extra water in some of our northern lakes and rivers makes its way down to the south. Moderate to major flooding is still expected along the Trinity River, from Lake Livingston to Liberty County. As for the San Jacinto, most locations in Montgomery County are beginning to see a slow recede. For the San Jacinto in Harris County around Lake Houston, water levels will remain in moderate to major flood stage over the next two days as the water slowly recedes. New this week though, portions of the Brazos River in Fort Bend and Waller Counties, areas that have not seen flooding yet but could later this week as water levels are projected to reach minor flood stage. Then areas that are cresting or rising could see floodwaters get higher over the next few days. It will definitely be something the ABC13 Weather Team will be monitoring closely.

What about these hot temperatures?

Houston could see its first 90-degree day of the year this week on Tuesday, then repeated on Wednesday too. And that’s not unheard of as many record high temperatures for this time of year are in the mid 90s. That being said, get ready for a taste of summer this week!

Are there any more cool fronts coming ahead of summer?

We have one penciled in for Friday! This one looks more and more like the real deal, and it could bring a delightful drop in the humidity with pleasant temperatures for Mother’s Day weekend.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

Southeast Texas

Houston

Harris County

Galveston County

Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties

Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties

Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Rain stops Saturday after several days, but San Jacinto River rising still a worry in Kingwood area

KINGWOOD, Texas (KTRK) — Heavy rainfall has drenched several areas in and surrounding Houston, and yet the rain is not done. ABC13 has extensively covered the devastation in the Kingwood area, where residents were urged to evacuate if possible.

ABC13 reporter Lileana Pearson was out in Kingwood Saturday morning, checking on residents in West Fork, where the conditions are expected to worsen as the rain is not done in the area.

RELATED: ABC13 Weather Alert Day declared for storms, heavy rain on Sunday

Pearson mentions that she and the ABC13 crew have watched the water rise from the moment they arrived on the scene.

Several days of rainfall have caused an overflow of the city’s creeks and rivers, including the San Jacinto River, which is predicted to rise at least three more feet before it begins cresting on Sunday.

While Saturday remains clear, ABC13’s Weather Team declared an ABC13 Weather Alert on Sunday, as rain is expected to dump in the area, causing the river to rise to higher levels than normal.

VIEW MAP: WHERE IS THE SAN JACINTO NORMALLY THIS TIME OF YEAR?

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said they have rescued 126 people and 63 animals. The sheriff’s office has pulled nearly 70 people and 45 animals from the floodwaters.

The rain has taken not just homes but businesses nearby. A homeowner spoke to ABC13, who said her property is dry, but others are inaccessible.

She says it was like reliving Hurricane Harvey all over again.

ABC13 spoke with the Office of Emergency Management, who said there were not many rescues overnight, but that could change as the day goes on.


SEE HERE: Flooding emergency: Houston mayor warns holdouts they endanger crews the longer they wait to leave

County leaders said it could be two to three days for people still stranded and needing to be rescued.

For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on FacebookX and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.