Check Traffic

Check Traffic
Live Cameras, Conditions

°

Homepage / Houston News
Text Size

Gas Leaks From Deer Park Chemical Plant

Officials Issue Level 3 Warning, Ask Citizens To Stay Indoors

POSTED: Monday, March 8,
UPDATED: 9:58 am CST March 8, 2004

Deer Park officials issued a level three shelter-in-place warning Monday morning after a gas leak was discovered at the Dow Chemical Plant, News2Houston reported.

Traces of the chemical napthalene, which is used to make mothballs, were discovered outside the plant's boundaries around 6:15 a.m.

The city of Deer Park was notified and officials issued the level three warning, alerting people to stay indoors, keeping doors and windows closed, until further notice.

Officials are not sure what caused the chemical leak.

Dow Chemical Plant officials are working to get the situation under control.

The shelter-in-place warning was removed around 8 a.m.

Shelter-In-Place Order

Emergency crews issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.

When a shelter-in-place is issued, residents should:
  • Go inside
  • Shut all doors and windows
  • Turn off air conditioners and heaters to prevent outside air from getting inside
  • Stay off the phone
  • Do not use fireplaces. Put out fires and close all dampers.
  • Move to a room with the fewest windows and doors. Tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans and vents using plastic sheeting or garbage bags, if directed.
  • Turn on the radio or television to listen for further instructions

Families are advised to have the following items in a shelter-in-place kit.
  • Two rolls of duct tape
  • Cloth and paper towels
  • Plastic sheets or trash bags
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Two gallons of water
  • Nonperishable foods

If your eyes, nose or throat become irritated, protect your breathing by covering your mouth with a damp cloth, take frequent shallow breaths and stay calm.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

  • VideosClick to Expand

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Slideshow 2: Viewers At Airshow

      Wings Over Houston AirshowThe Wings Over Houston Airshow was held at Ellington Field on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2009. More than 80,000 people attended. Check out some of the viewers who visited the KPRC booth.

    • Slideshow: Viewers At Airshow

      Wings Over HoustonThe Wings Over Houston Airshow was held at Ellington Field last weekend. More than 80,000 people attended. Check out the viewers who visited the KPRC Local 2 booth.

    • Fort Hood Victims From All Walks Of Life

      The 13 people killed when an Army psychiatrist allegedly opened fire on fellow soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas, included several people who shared the same profession as the alleged shooter. Here is a look at the victims.

    • Tragedy At Fort Hood

      A soldier opened fire at a U.S. Army base in Fort Hood, Texas, on Thursday, unleashing a stream of gunfire that left 13 people dead and 31 wounded.