More than a year after submitting its initial application, Galveston County has received a federal grant award to purchase properties on Bolivar Peninsula destroyed by Hurricane Ike in September 2008.
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program allows the county to offer eligible homeowners 75% of the pre-Ike value of their property plus improvements, minus the benefits already paid (such as flood and windstorm insurance).  All transactions are voluntary, and purchased properties must remain undeveloped in perpetuity.

Approximately a dozen homes in Jamaica Beach are included in the County’s $102,716,260 grant award. Additionally, a limited number of elevations also are under consideration in the county’s HMGP project, all of them on the mainland.

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In another sign of Hurricane Ike recovery, the Whataburger restaurant on Stewart Road in Galveston has reopened, much to the delight of Islanders craving their favorite breakfast biscuits or burgers.

As part of the ribbon-cutting ceremonies on January 12th, Whataburger representatives showed their continuing commitment to the county's recovery from the devastating hurricane by presenting a check for $500 to the Ike Recovery Fund, raised through volunteer efforts by Whataburger employees.

The Ike Fund, comprised of local foundations as well as representatives for Galveston, Galveston County and the Island and Mainland branches of the United Way, has provided more than $1 million in funding to help rebuild homes and churches and purchase furniture, appliances and other needs for Ike victims.  The fund's primary partner is Galveston County Restore and Rebuild, a coalition of faith-based groups and local non-profits that have worked tirelessly to assist residents impacted by the storm. 

Representatives of the Recovery Fund were on hand to accept Whataburger's donation.  For more information about the Fund or to make a donation, contact Fund Administrator Trudy Deen Davis at 409-762-4357.

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The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities has caused many Americans to search for alternative home heating sources such as wood burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces.  Heating is one of the leading causes of residential fires.  Over one-quarter of these fires result from improper maintenance of equipment, specifically the failure to clean the equipment. 

In 2003-2006, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires and deaths was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress or bedding.  Many heating fires can be prevented by following basic safety tips when dealing with any heating equipment: 

• Keep or maintain a 3 foot clearance between all heating equipment and anything that can burn.
• Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety.
• Be sure to have fixed space heaters installed by a qualified technician, according to manufacturer's instructions or applicable codes.  Or, make sure a qualified technician checks to see the unit has been properly installed.
• When buying a new, portable space heather, make sure it has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn - including furniture, blankets, curtains, and paper products.
• Choose space heaters that turn off automatically if they tip over.
• Never use a space heather to dry clothing.
• Do not use your oven to heat your home.
• Install smoke alarms in ever bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on ever level of the home.  For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home.  When one sounds, they all sound
• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

For more heating fire safety tips, visit the Focus on Fire Safety website. 

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The National Weather Service is forecasting cold weather through the end of the first week of January.  Cloud cover during the first part of the week will keep daytime highs in the 40s.  However, an arctic front will be pushing through our region late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning with record lows possible Friday through Sunday, with extended periods of subfreezing temperatures possible.  Now is the time to get prepared.  Remember the 4 Ps for winter weather preparedness:  people, pets, plants and pipes. 

Begin making plans for people that might need a little extra help, especially the elderly.  Extra layers of clothing will be necessary for anyone who needs to be outdoors during these times.  Consider bringing outdoor pets inside, especially dogs.  Sensitive plants should be covered or brought indoors if possible.  Protect your water pipes from freezing.  Uninsulated pipes are at risk of freezing when temperatures get below 25 degrees for extended periods of time.  Leaving cabinet doors open in kitchens and bathrooms can allow warmer air to circulate around indoor pipes.  Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, the local weather reports, as well as the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management or National Weather Service Houston/Galveston office websites for additional information.

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