Weather Alert Update for Port Arthur-Tropical Storm Beta

September 21, 2020

The City of Port Arthur Emergency Management Office and the Public Works Department will have sandbags available for citizens in three locations throughout our area. Please bring your shovel(s)/something to fill the sandbags. This outreach is only open to Port Arthur citizens, and includes a 5-bag limit. There are COVID-19 GUIDELINES:  All citizens must wear masks, and must be socially distanced from others who do not live in the same household. 

The sand and bags will be available from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, or until supplies are exhausted at the following locations:

The Pavilion Downtown, 500 Procter Street

The Port Arthur Bob Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive

The El Vista Community Center, 615 Ellias Street

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September 20, 2020

Port Arthur Public Works, Solid Waste Division is working today and tomorrow to clear present debris and encourage residents to clear ditches and culverts to minimize flooding risk to homes and properties. Tropical Storm Beta is expected to bring more rain throughout the week, and flash flooding is probable in low-lying areas. Port Arthur Emergency Management is asking citizens to please register with STAN (Southeast Texas Alerting Network) to stay informed of the changes and alerts associated with this storm.

Voluntary-Evacuation of Sabine Pass and Pleasure Island 

DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER -TS BETA 

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September 19, 2020

The City of Port Arthur Emergency Management Office is alerting citizens that we may have significant impact from Tropical Storm Beta from strong winds and heavy rain throughout the area. We encourage citizens to register with STAN (Southeast Texas Alerting Network) to stay informed of the changes and alerts associated with this storm.

Flood Plain Management

In addition, please keep in mind ideas to keep your home safe from flooding, by using some of the following guidelines as suggested by FEMA:

FLOOD PREPAREDNESS

You may be able to take additional actions immediately before an expected flood event that will prevent or reduce flood damage to your home:

• Clean gutters, downspouts, and splash pads, along with any … drainage ditches or storm drains.

• Activate flood protection devices (turn on sump pumps, close backflow valves, etc.).

• Shut off electricity at the breaker panel.

• Safeguard important paperwork and move furniture, rugs, electronics, and other valuable belongings to upper floors, or at least off the floor of the ground level.

• Elevate major appliances onto concrete blocks.

PERMITS FOR DAMAGE REPAIR IN A SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (SFHA):

After a flood, hurricane, or any natural hazard event that causes significant damage, buildings located in SFHAs and other damaged buildings outside of the SFHAs will be inspected.

Homeowners who have sustained damage to your home due to Hurricane Laura must obtain a permit for the replacement and repair of the structural components or mechanical and electrical equipment, is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). To check to see if your home is in an SFHA, please visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center website at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search or contact the City of Port Arthur Building Official’s Office at (409) 983-8242.

Damage that may meet the “substantial damage” definition must be addressed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the building code and floodplain management ordinance in effect.