City of La Porte Newsletter

C I T Y OF LA PORTE N E W S L E T T E R

APRIL|MAY|JUNE 2022

In this issue: ELECTION DAY IS MAY 7 Your Vote is Your Voice!

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PARKS & REC SUMMER PROGRAMMING

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SYLVAN BEACH FESTIVAL APRIL 30!

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Entertainment includes Mike Ryan, Kevin Fowler, & Roger creager

purchase tickets online at sylvanbeachfestival.com BAY FOREST GOLF COURSE

JUNIOR GOLF CLINIC 2022 JUNE 13-15

8:00 AM - 10:30 AM

AGES 6-12

$125 PER STUDENT

BAYFORESTGOLF.COM

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& s k r n a o i P t a e r c e R

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NEED A SUMMER JOB? The City of La Porte is now accepting applications for Lifeguards, Summer Camp Recreation Leaders, and Asst Pool Techs!

Apply online today at laportetx.gov/jobs.

Camp Breeze (Ages 5 – 8) & Camp Voyage (Ages 9 – 12) Registration opens April 1 and space is limited! $60/week per camper.

Register online at laportetx.gov/register or at the LP Recreation & Fitness Center.

OUTDOOR SWIM LESSONS

Group and/or private swim lessons for ages 6 months to adult.

Morning and evening sessions offered beginning June 6.

All lessons taught by American Red Cross certified instructors. $30/session for group lessons and $60/session for private lessons.

Register online at laportetx.gov/register or at the LP Recreation & Fitness Center.

POOLS OPEN MAY 28!

Ages 5 – 18. Experienced coaching and track jerseys are provided!

Most track meets held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the local area. Morning practices held Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 11:00am at the La Porte High School track. Season runs May 31 – July 24.

Registration runs April 1 – June 5, for $45 per participant.

Register online at laportetx.gov/register or at the LP Recreation & Fitness Center.

POOL RENTAL RESERVATIONS OPEN APRIL 21 FOR LA PORTE RESIDENTS & APRIL 25 FOR NON-RESIDENTS.

FUN TIMES. BY THE BAY. Discover all the exciting programs and events available throughout the Parks & Recreation Department.

The program catalog is available online at

LAPORTETX.GOV/FUNTIMESBYTHEBAY

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vote voice YOUR

YOUR

voting EARLY

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MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY

LA PORTE VOTERS ARE ABLE TO VOTE AT ANY HARRIS COUNTY LOCATION. THE EARLY VOTING POLLING LOCATION IN THE CITY LIMITS IS AT THE

APRIL 25 APRIL 26 APRIL 27 APRIL 28 APRIL 29 APRIL 30 MAY 1 MAY 2 MAY 3

7:00AM-7:00PM 7:00AM-7:00PM 7:00AM-7:00PM 7:00AM-7:00PM 7:00AM-7:00PM 7:00AM-7:00PM 12:00PM-7:00PM 7:00AM-7:00PM 7:00AM-7:00PM

LA PORTE VOTERS MAY VOTE AT ANY HARRIS COUNTY POLLING LOCATION FOR EARLY VOTING AND ON ELECTION DAY. FIND THEM ALL AT HARRISVOTES.COM/LOCATIONS! CURBSIDE VOTING WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE ELECTION PERIOD, JUST PULL UP IN MARKED SPACES. APRIL 7 IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR THE MAY 7, 2022, ELECTION. CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION STATUS AT VOTETEXAS.GOV.

Bayshore Elementary School, 800 McCabe Road Lomax Junior High School, 9801 North Avenue L Evelyn Kennedy Civic Center, 618 San Jacinto Street The Academy of Viola De Walt, 401 N 2nd Street Rizzuto Elementary School, 3201 Farrington Street Bayshore Baptist Church, 11315 Spencer Highway Jennie Reid Elementary School, 10001 West Fairmont Pkwy 55

DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE NEED HELP EVACUATING?

People who may need assistance in a disaster should register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) by visiting texasstear.org or dialing 2-1-1. STEAR may be used by those who require transportation assistance in an evacuation, as well as individuals who may require other assistance during a disaster. Information in the STEAR system is kept confidential. In the event our area is subject to an evacuation order or other disaster, the La Porte Office of Emergency Management will contact you to schedule transportation or other services. Registration is not a guarantee of assistance, so please continue to include transportation in your personal emergency plan.

Dial 211… ·If you have a disability or special health care need and require assistance to get out ·If you cannot drive and cannot arrange transportation ·If you do not have a vehicle and you have no one to help you evacuate

Don't delay, call today! 211 or (877) 541-7905. Contact the Office of Emergency Management if you have any questions at 281-470-0010 or by email at oem@laportetx.gov.

REGISTER FOR NOTIFCIATIONS AT: LAPORTETX.GOV/STAYCONNECTED Hurricanes are extremely powerful storms that can cause catastrophic damage and loss of life. Strong winds, storm surge, flooding, and tornadoes are all hazards associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. When a hurricane is approaching, you may have little time to prepare. It is possible you will need to survive on your own for an extended period of time. Local officials and relief workers will be on scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, weeks, or even longer. Hurricane season begins June 1st and lasts until November 30th. Get prepared by creating a family disaster plan and emergency supply kit. In addition, make an inventory of all the items in your home.

Remember to keep your gas tanks full during hurricane season, in case you have to evacuate with little notice. Identify ahead of time where you could go if told to evacuate: a family member’s home in another town, a hotel, or a shelter. Keep telephone numbers and maps to each location on hand. If you will need help getting out of town before a storm, dial 2-1-1 to register for evacuation assistance.

EMPLOYEE OF THE 4TH QUARTER 2021 6

LINDSEY CAMPUZANO

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2021 KELLY LATHREM

BUILD A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

CHECK GENERATORS & ENSURE YOU HAVE EQUIPMENT YOU MIGHT NEED AFTER A STORM. *NEVER RUN GENERATORS IN THE HOME OR GARAGE

KEEP VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT GASSED UP FOR USE BEFORE AND AFTER A STORM MINIMIZE DAMAGE BY TRIMMING BRANCHES. CLEAR DEBRIS. PUT AWAY LAWN FURNITURE. MAKE A PLAN & REVIEW WITH FAMILY

MANAGER OF THE YEAR 2021 LINDSAY FRENCH

FEMA Risk Rating 2.0

• Purchase a flood insurance policy and maintain coverage on your structure. Don’t delay – there is a 30-day waiting period before a policy takes effect.

Basic homeowner’s insurance does not cover damage from floods.

FEMA has updated the National Flood Insurance Program’s pricing methodology. The new methodology allows FEMA to equitably distribute premiums across all policyholders based on the value of their home and the unique flood risk of their property. Currently, many policyholders with lower-value homes are paying more than they should and policyholders with higher-value homes are paying less than they should.

To provide more equity, FEMA now has the capability and tools to address rating disparities by incorporating more flood risk variables. These include flood frequency, multiple flood types—river overflow, storm surge, coastal erosion and heavy rainfall—distance to a water source and property characteristics such as elevation and the cost to rebuild.

FEMA is conscious of the far-reaching economic impacts COVID-19 has had on the nation and existing policyholders and is taking a phased approach to rolling out the new rates.

In Phase I: New policies beginning Oct. 1, 2021 will be subject to the new rating methodology. Also beginning Oct. 1, existing policyholders eligible for renewal will be able to take advantage of immediate decreases in their premiums.

In Phase II: All remaining policies renewing on or after April 1, 2022 will be subject to the new rating methodology.

For the latest information on Risk Rating 2.0, visit fema.gov.

• Keep trash out of ditches, and avoid dumping pollutants in the sewers. Stream dumping is a violation of the Chapter 62 ordinance that prohibits dumping into the storm drainage system. Report debris and stream dumping to the Public Works Department by calling 281-471-2141.

Free car seat checks are provided by a certified technician. Car seat checks are available by appointment only on the following dates at EMS Headquarters, 10428 Spencer Highway: 04/07, 04/21, 05/05, 05/19, 06/02, 06/16, 06/30. Call 281-471-9244 for an appointment.

Hurricane season is almost upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about preparing ourselves and our property before the next flood. Here are some tips:

• Visit FEMA’s website at fema.gov/flood-insurance or the City’s website at laportetx.gov/floodplain to obtain flood-related information such as Flood Insurance Rate Map flood zone determinations, mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements, and site-specific data such as floodway areas, historical flood information, and areas of natural floodplain functions.

Any development in the floodplain without a permit is illegal.

• Protect your home’s foundation from flooding by making sure your downspouts drain away from your house. For advice on how to correct drainage issues, information on grant opportunities in order to elevate your home, and other flood protection assistance including sources for financial assistance, you may visit FEMA’s website at fema.gov/flood-insurance or the City’s website at laportetx.gov/floodplain • Prepare a family evacuation plan and designate a place where your family can meet after an evacuation order is issued. Evacuation maps are on the City’s website at www.lpoem.org. Register your cell phone number into the City’s Swift911 Emergency Notification System (sign up at laportetx.gov/addmycell) and follow the City of La Porte on Facebook to see all watches, warnings, and other weather-related information issued by the National Weather Service.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE VIDEO FOR KIDS!

*Source: April 1, 2021 Press Release “FEMA Updates Its Flood Insurance Rating Methodology to Deliver More Equitable Pricing”

Car Seat Safety Inspections

CPR Training

The City of La Porte EMS is offering the following CPR courses at EMS headquarters: 4/02/22 – Heartsaver $28 | 5/07/22 – Healthcare Provider $32 | 6/04/22 – Heartsaver $28 Cash payment is due the day of the class.

Safe Riders

Free child safety seats are provided to families who qualify. Please contact Lt. Christina Hernandez @ 281-470-0073 to register.

Childhood Immunizations

Drive through immunization clinics are currently held from 9 a.m. - noon on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the City of La Porte EMS Headquarters. Vaccines are available for children 18 years of age and younger; no fee and no appointment required.

Kid Friendly Food Drive

La Porte EMS is hosting a kid friendly food drive benefitting Bridge Over Troubled Waters and Bread of Life Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at La Porte EMS Headquarters.

Please call 281-471-9244 with any questions.

Volunteers Needed!

Contribute to your city by participating in an upcoming GIS project (Fall 2022) with your mobile device and free time. Gain experience with GIS solutions. Free training provided! Send an email to CleareA@LaPorteTX.gov for more information!

What would Wally Wise Do? “Whenever there is danger, I quickly go inside my shell.

By Sheltering-In-Place, you can be safe too!” – Wally Wise The Local Emergency Planning Committee has created a short video to better educate our young ones on Shelter-In-Place procedures. We encourage you and your family to watch this short video together and talk about what steps you will take if told to Shelter-In-Place. Consider various scenarios such as being at home, playing outside, or out at the park. The safety of our residents will always be our number one priority. Scan the QR code now to learn more!

281-470-0010 | OEM@LAPORTETX.GOV | LAPORTELEPC.ORG

MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM The City of La Porte maintains a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System to transport stormwater. The City has also created a Storm Water Management Program to manage the quality of discharge from the system. This program includes best management practices and schedules for implementation to address six minimum control measures. For more information visit: http://LaPorteTx.gov/stormwater

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CITY OF LA PORTE 604 W FAIRMONT PKWY LA PORTE, TX 77571 281-471-5020

WWW.LAPORTETX.GOV

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