This service is being provided as an aid to our visitors to locate information related to the recent disasters caused by hurricane Ike. The information provided is not complete by any means but refers to other sites where necessary.

School Closing.
Here is a link to find out the status of your area school: School Closings

Cautions:
Here are few cautions we urge all to pay attention:

WATER

• Do not drink water from unknown sources.
• Follow "boil water" alerts issued by local water utilities or the Texas Department of Environmental Quality.
• People under boil water alerts or those with private wells that may have been contaminated by flood water should use only bottled, boiled or treated water until water has been tested and found safe.
• Under boil water alerts, allow water to boil for at least one minute if it is to be used for drinking purposes.
• Water may also be disinfected with chlorine or iodine, according to package directions, or with ordinary household bleach one-eighth teaspoon (about eight drops) per gallon of water.
• Water containers and drinking utensils should be sterilized with a solution of household bleach.

• Do not eat food that has been in contact with flood water.
• Discard any food that has been at room temperature for more than two hours or if it has an unusual odor or color.
• Babies on formula should be given ready-to-feed formula or powdered formula prepared with bottled drinking water.
• Wash hands with soap and disinfected water before eating or handling food, after clean-up work and after handling flood water-contaminated items.

• Be alert for snakes and other wildlife that may have taken shelter in trees, homes and vehicles.
• Do not use lanterns or torches in homes until certain there are no gas leaks.
• Do not enter flooded home unless the main electrical switch has been turned off.
• Disinfect all furniture, woodwork and other household surfaces in homes that have flooded.
• In flooded homes, replace porous wallboard that has been damaged. Replacement should be from at least 12 inches above waterline.
• Disinfect children's toys with solution of one cup bleach to 5 gallons water.
• Do not use charcoal, gasoline-powered generators or pumps indoors.

Gas.
All over Houston area, gas is in short supply. Many gas stations are closed. Many have gas but no power so gas cannot be pumped. Slowly, many more are providing service albeit on a shorter schedule. It is advisable to maintain the gas tank of your primary car filled with gas so essential driving is not disrupted.
Price gouging
is not allowed by law. Penalties are steep. If you feel you are victim of price gouging, you may notify the office of the Texas attorney General with details. Here is the phone number to contact : 1-800-252-8011

Insurance.
If your house have any damage due to the hurricane, make sure to contact your agent( if their office is open ) or the insurance company's toll free number printed on the insurance card. File a claim by phone. Some insurance company have also setup a webpage where you initiate the claim process online. Generally speaking, insurance adjuster will contact you a time when s/he will stop by to provide you an estimate. In the meantime, make repair to your property to prevent further damage. Save all receipts for later claim. It is advisable to take pictures of all damages as soon as possible. DO NOT PAY CASH TO ANY REPAIR DONE. Stay away from con artists! Call FEMA's toll free number to seek assistance: 1-800-621-3362. If your house is NOT livable, hotel expenses may be covered by Home owner's policy. Get quotes and reference from contractors prior to work authorization. If you have damage on prt of the roof, insist on complete replacement with a minimum 20 year shingles.

Driving Around.
If you must travel around town, be a friendly to other drivers. Many drivers are impatient so pay special attention to traffic lights that are not operating( most are ). All traffic lights not operating as they should in all areas are treated as stop signs. Make sure to to look all sides before negotiating an intersection for your and family's safety.

This page will be updated as we have more information related to Ike. So visit it often to gather additional information. We hope it has provided you with valuable assistance. Good luck to you and your family in dealing with this crisis.

Social Service Committee is starting new service to provide free ride to Durgabari for elderly and disabled person. Please contact any listed volunteer from your area.