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December 7, 2018

Thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter. Below you will find updates from federal, state and local agencies on events from the past week and the week ahead.

This week, we mourned the loss of a true American hero with the passing of former President George H. W. Bush. I issued the following statement for him: "Thank you, President George H. W. Bush, for your life’s work, the way you led by example, and keeping family first. We need to be reminded that in life and politics, we can disagree without being disagreeable. The celebration of your life this week reminded us that we must be good people and more importantly teach our children it’s not always about us. God bless you and your family. We will miss you."

I am sure you have noticed the lowered level of Lake Houston today. Houston Public Works initiated the temporary lowering of Lake Houston on Wednesday night in advance of the substantial rainfall predicted for tonight and tomorrow. Since the amount of rain predicted exceeded 3 inches, the lake was lowered past the usual 41.5 feet until a elevation of 40.5 feet was reached. Property owners were given notice on Tuesday evening to secure property along the shoreline for a potential temporary lowering of Lake Houston. Residents may monitor the lowering of Lake Houston by visiting the Coastal Water Authority website.

The San Jacinto River Authority has also announced releases from Lake Conroe as of noon today. Per the press release, "the operational guidelines for Lake Conroe are designed to ensure that the peak rate of flow released from the dam is LOWER than the peak flow coming into the lake. Since it is difficult to accurately predict how far the lake will ultimately rise, Lake Conroe personnel will continue actively monitoring the storm and communicating with local officials. Anyone interested in monitoring Lake Conroe levels, releases, rainfall totals, or stream flows can visit SJRA’s Contrail System at: https://sanjacinto.onerain.com/home.php."

We will continue to update you as we go into the weekend, but please heed the warnings being issued by the National Weather Service ahead of this winter storm.

Should you have questions regarding anything in this newsletter, please feel free to contact us directly using the information provided at the bottom of this email.

Sincerely,
December 2018 Calendar


Download my December 2018 calendar by clicking the link below. This month is full of events in and around Texas that could be fun or useful to you and your family! This new format allows you to save the document for printing or sending to your family members.

Keep watch for these updated calendars at the beginning of each month. Important local and legislative dates and events will be posted here.



Hurricane Harvey Updates
National Weather Service: Heavy Rainfall Expected Friday Evening through Saturday
The  National Weather Service (NWS)  has issued a Flash Flood Warning from 12 p.m. Friday to 12 p.m. Saturday. Heavy rainfall between 3-6 inches with isolated totals of 10 inches is expected in Harris County beginning Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Dangerous driving conditions expected overnight and into Saturday. Street flooding is likely and run-off will cause water levels on bayous and rivers to rise.
 
DRIVE SAFELY
  • If you must travel never drive into high water and use extreme caution at underpasses and low-lying areas where water accumulates. 
  • Always remember to Turn Around, Don’t Drown! ® DO NOT DRIVE through high water and DO NOT DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES!
  • Just 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away. 

STAY INFORMED
 
Harris County: Above-Average Hurricane Season Comes to a Close
The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on November 30 sparing Texas, but causing chaos along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard. Experts had originally predicted 2018 would be a lower-than-average year for hurricanes, but this changed as the season progressed. A total of 15 named storms, including two major hurricanes - Hurricane Florence, which hit North Carolina in September, and Hurricane Michael, which made landfall last October on the Florida Panhandle – devastated hard hit areas claiming lives and causing extensive damage.
 
“Our sympathy goes out to all the folks who have suffered losses,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “Not too long ago we faced similar situations with Hurricane Harvey.” Last August, Hurricane Harvey became the most extreme rain event in the nation’s history dropping more than 50 inches of rain in southeast Texas during a four-day period. Harvey claimed 36 lives in Harris County alone and caused more than $125 billion in damages.
 
“A year after Harvey, the path to recovery continues and so does our work with public and private partners,” said Emmett. “Our priorities remain helping communities recover and completing projects to make our county more resilient.” The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) is currently updating the county’s multi-hazard mitigation plan through a collaborative process with multiple jurisdictions and public participation. The overall goal is to identify risks and develop strategies to minimize the impacts of future disasters.
 
“Our region is one of the best-prepared areas in the country for responding to disasters,” added Emmett. “We will continue to work closely with our emergency management partners to ensure that all of our communities are prepared.” HCOHSEM encourages residents to stay informed and prepared for emergencies throughout the year. Go to www.readyharris.org to sign up for emergency alerts, download the mobile ReadyHarris app or follow ReadyHarris on social media for information and preparedness tips.
Updates from Austin
Governor Abbott Appoints Norris Adjutant General Of Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Major General Tracy Norris the Adjutant General of Texas, effective January 1, 2019. The adjutant general is commander of the Soldiers and Airmen of the Texas Military Department, and reports directly to the Governor in matters pertaining to the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard and Texas State Guard. General Norris is the first female to be appointed Adjutant General of Texas.

"I want to congratulate Major General Tracy Norris on her appointment as the Adjutant General of Texas. Major General Norris' career exemplifies our Texas Military Department values: 'Duty, Honor, Texas.' She is an outstanding leader whose commitment to service is unwavering, and I know Major General Norris will draw on her tremendous experience to serve the people of Texas and the nation in her new role."
- Major General John F. Nichols, Adjutant General

Major General John F. Nichols announced his retirement on November 19, 2018 after serving as the Adjutant General of Texas for 7 years.


  DSHS encourages people to get the flu shot during National Influenza Vaccination Week
In conjunction with National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people it’s not too late to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications. People can find out where flu shots are available at texasflu.org or by contacting their health care provider.

“Last flu season was severe, and the U.S. saw a record number of flu-related hospitalizations and pediatric deaths,” said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, DSHS Infectious Disease Medical Officer. “We have no way of knowing if this flu season will be milder or just as severe as last season. We are recommending all Texans 6 months of age and older get their flu vaccine as soon as possible.” Vaccination is especially important for older adults, infants, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions because they are at greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu.

Influenza is a contagious disease caused by one of a number of related viruses. Flu symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and fatigue. The onset of symptoms is sudden, and people should stay home until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care. People experiencing symptoms are encouraged to seek treatment promptly. Antiviral drugs may shorten the duration or lessen the severity of the flu if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

People can help stop the spread of flu by getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when they’re sick. 
DPS Reminds Texans to Prepare for Winter Weather
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages Texans in all regions of the state to make preparations for staying safe as we approach the official start of winter. “As we know all too well, Texas weather can change in an instant,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Every year, Texas faces serious dangers brought on by winter weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, ice, sleet and even snow. Taking extra safety precautions now could make all the difference during these potentially severe weather events this winter.”
 
Texans can prepare their vehicles for the winter by checking the battery, windshield wipers (including appropriate freeze resistant-fluid), tire pressure, tire tread and fluid levels, as well as taking time to lubricate door and trunk locks to prevent freezing. In addition, the following is a list of emergency supplies drivers can keep in their vehicle:
 
  • Blankets/sleeping bags;
  • Extra clothing, including gloves and a hat;
  • Cell phone, radio, flashlight and extra batteries;
  • First-aid kit and pocket knife;
  • High calorie, non-perishable food and bottled water;
  • Bag of sand or cat litter to provide traction for tires; and 
  • Windshield scraper, tool kit, booster cables, tow rope and a shovel.
 
DPS offers the following additional tips for staying safe during possible winter weather:
 
  • Monitor local weather broadcasts and follow up-to-the-minute weather conditions at http://www.weather.gov/.
  • Purchase an all-hazards weather radio for up-to-date warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information.
  • Sign up for your local emergency notification system.
  • Make sure you have inclement weather contact numbers for schools and work.
  • Check on friends and family members whose health or age may put them at greater risk from cold weather.
  • Allow extra time when traveling in inclement weather.
  • Avoid traveling when sleet, freezing rain or snow is predicted, and monitor road conditions by visiting www.drivetexas.org or by calling 1-800-452-9292.
  • On icy roads, drive slowly and increase distance required for stopping, and avoid using cruise control.
  • Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before any trip, and keep your gas tank full.
  • Watch for downed trees and power lines across roads. If power is out, treat all intersections as four-way stops.
  • Insulate outside faucets and pipes near outer walls.
  • Make sure that furnaces, heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are clean, well-ventilated and in good working condition.
  • To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, NEVER operate generators and other fuel-powered devices inside a home or an enclosed space, such as a garage. The deadly odorless, colorless gas is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned, with sources including motor vehicle engines, generators and fuel-burning appliances or heating systems. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Make arrangements for proper shelter and an emergency supply of food and water for your pets and livestock.
  • Stock up on firewood and supplies, including canned goods and bottled water.
  • If you will be away from home for a long period of time, set your thermostat to 55 degrees or higher and open cabinets under sinks.
 
During the winter season, residents can contact 2-1-1 Texas, the state’s free 24-hour helpline, to check on possible community-established warming centers or related services in their area. No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 for community resources.
 
Visit the DPS website for additional information and tips regarding winter weather preparedness.
Updates from HD 127
HAAM Empty Stocking Toy Drive
Constituent Resources
Need Assistance?
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Live Updates
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Contact Information
State Representative
Dan Huberty

Casey Christman
Chief of Staff

Amy Peterson
House Public Education Committee Director

Jack Reed
Legislative Director

Abby Caldwell
District Intern

Capitol Physical Address:
1100 Congress Avenue E2.408 Austin, TX 78701

Capitol Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2910 
Austin, TX 78768 

Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0520

Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-1606
District Address: 
4501 Magnolia Cove
 Suite 201
Kingwood, TX 77345

District Phone:
(281) 360-9410
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