Houston and Security at the Astrodome

[Houstonia]

Does anyone have any information on how HPD and the Astrodome security are going to handle the influx of evacuees?

With the state they are in right now - tired, short-tempered, sick, poor, worried, etc., the evacuees may be a threat, not only to themselves, but to others.

Law enforcement in Houston needs to be completely prepared for this. Marital disputes, sex-related offenses, child abuse, drug/alchohol abouse - all of these things need to be expected.

Has anyone seen any articles or news stories that explain how we are preparing for this onslaught of misery?

We need to do as much as we can for these people, but we need to protect them and our city as well.

It will be a fragile balance...

[Roxy]

good question. I am also concerned about the security on the streets of Houston, particularly in the Astrodome area.

Are these refugees going to be allowed to leave the dome during the day and return at night?

As insensitive as it may sound, these things need to be considered.

[HurricaneGirl]

Not to mention most if not all of the refugees will be suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well.

[Houstonia]

good question. I am also concerned about the security on the streets of Houston, particularly in the Astrodome area.

Are these refugees going to be allowed to leave the dome during the day and return at night?

As insensitive as it may sound, these things need to be considered.

As I read somewhere - I think the Houston Chronicle, people will be let out via a system of passes.

I am as worried for them walking around the streets around the Astrodome - they won't know where they are, they won't have cars, and they are easy targets for assaults, etc.

[jasons2k]

My uncle, a very wise old man, just emailed me and said "lock your doors - a storm is coming to Houston"

[Roxy]

My uncle, a very wise old man, just emailed me and said "lock your doors - a storm is coming to Houston"

Probably very true.

[inotherwords]

Sadly, a/c, cots, and working toilets (for how long) will only delay the onset of the same problems that cropped up in New Orleans. People at some point are going to want to leave and if they aren't allowed to, then it's not going to be a good situation there. I can't see how they will be able to force people to stay there against their will. In New Orleans there was a reason for keeping them in one place. In Houston, they're just like anyone else who evacuated to another city. I would imagine that they will let people go who choose to leave, and I would also imagine there will be a lot of people who will want to leave and try their luck elsewhere.

[inotherwords]

My uncle, a very wise old man, just emailed me and said "lock your doors - a storm is coming to Houston"

If they didn't walk out of New Orleans, I doubt they'll walk all the way from the Astrodome to Spring

I'd worry if I lived in the Rice/Museum/Montrose/River Oaks/Bellaire areas for sure.

[blueeyes_austin]

Sadly, a/c, cots, and working toilets (for how long) will only delay the onset of the same problems that cropped up in New Orleans. People at some point are going to want to leave and if they aren't allowed to, then it's not going to be a good situation there. I can't see how they will be able to force people to stay there against their will. In New Orleans there was a reason for keeping them in one place. In Houston, they're just like anyone else who evacuated to another city. I would imagine that they will let people go who choose to leave, and I would also imagine there will be a lot of people who will want to leave and try their luck elsewhere.

Yep. This is why they're not really "refugees" (foreign nationals in another country and who can be interred) but "displaced persons."

[Houstonia]

Sadly, a/c, cots, and working toilets (for how long) will only delay the onset of the same problems that cropped up in New Orleans. People at some point are going to want to leave and if they aren't allowed to, then it's not going to be a good situation there. I can't see how they will be able to force people to stay there against their will. In New Orleans there was a reason for keeping them in one place. In Houston, they're just like anyone else who evacuated to another city. I would imagine that they will let people go who choose to leave, and I would also imagine there will be a lot of people who will want to leave and try their luck elsewhere.

Boredom is definitely going to set in, but without any money, along with that boredom is going to be frustration. If the kids are not in school it just adds to the stress.

I hope Houston is prepared for this. I'm glad we are doing it - I'm glad we are taking them in, but I just hope we are prepared.

And I think I'm going to stay out of the city for a while...

[Roxy]

Sadly, a/c, cots, and working toilets (for how long) will only delay the onset of the same problems that cropped up in New Orleans. People at some point are going to want to leave and if they aren't allowed to, then it's not going to be a good situation there. I can't see how they will be able to force people to stay there against their will. In New Orleans there was a reason for keeping them in one place. In Houston, they're just like anyone else who evacuated to another city. I would imagine that they will let people go who choose to leave, and I would also imagine there will be a lot of people who will want to leave and try their luck elsewhere.

Boredom is definitely going to set in, but without any money, along with that boredom is going to be frustration. If the kids are not in school it just adds to the stress.

I hope Houston is prepared for this. I'm glad we are doing it - I'm glad we are taking them in, but I just hope we are prepared.

And I think I'm going to stay out of the city for a while...

Yep, I am somewhat concerned for the medical center area, and those living there.

[itglobalsecure]

>> I think I'm going to stay out of the city for a while... <<

Now think of the impact on your local businesses. I don't blame you, but I fear for your local economy.

[GalvestonDuck]

Two men arrested at Astrodome for fighting. Taken to Harris Co. jail.

Also, having issues with people "relieving themselves" in the hallways.


OMG!

[jasons2k]

My uncle, a very wise old man, just emailed me and said "lock your doors - a storm is coming to Houston"

If they didn't walk out of New Orleans, I doubt they'll walk all the way from the Astrodome to Spring

I'd worry if I lived in the Rice/Museum/Montrose/River Oaks/Bellaire areas for sure.

Yep, and that's where my wife and I both work

[cjrciadt]

Two men arrested at Astrodome for fighting. Taken to Harris Co. jail.

Also, having issues with people "relieving themselves" in the hallways.


OMG!

[SouthFloridawx]

I think Texas of all places will be able to handle this

[blueeyes_austin]

We'll handle it.

We could do, however, with a bit of understanding from the "civilized" coasts in the next few weeks about the methods that will need to be employed.

[simplyme]

Two men arrested at Astrodome for fighting. Taken to Harris Co. jail.

Also, having issues with people "relieving themselves" in the hallways.


OMG!

Several articles I've read have said that's what they've had to do in the Superdome... You'd think they'd want to keep clean conditions clean...

[Eye10TX]

Two men arrested at Astrodome for fighting. Taken to Harris Co. jail.

Also, having issues with people "relieving themselves" in the hallways.


OMG!

I just saw this KTRK news report, too. Had finally gotten some sleep (meaning more than a couple of hours this time) after keeping up with all Katrina and aftermath developments this week.

It amazed me that this is happening with only 2000-3000 people (two different reporters in the same newscast, both at the Dome, gave those two different numbers for people inside the Astrodome right now!). They said the bathrooms are working just fine and everything else is in working order--no reason for the "relieving in the hallways" to be happening. Ick.

They also said that those inside will be free to come and go as they please, with wristbands identifying them as Dome "residents." Yikes.

The biggest problem earlier today was with telephones, they said. Phone banks had been set up, but they needed MORE phones, so brought in 1000 more.

There are a number of other refugees, plus Houstonians, outside the Astrodome trying to find friends and loved ones they *hope* or know are inside.

Needed in Astrodome now: Wheelchairs, wipes, hand soaps, adult undergarments. Please bring to Fannin side (East) of Astrodome.

[Eye10TX]

They just said that when the 25,000th wristband is given out, the Astrodome will be closed.