After discussion with all of our local jurisdictions, voluntary evacuations should be considered in the following areas:  the west end of Galveston Island including Jamaica Beach, as well as Bolivar Peninsula, San Leon, Bacliff, Bayou Vista, Omega Bay, Tiki Island, Dickinson, Kemah and Clear Lake Shores.  Citizens should also consider evacuating if they live in low-lying areas subject to flooding or in mobile homes. If you should decide to evacuate, please remember to pack your disaster kit and important papers.  Hurricane Ike has been a difficult storm to track because of the number of shifts in the models in the last 72 hours.  Given the current track, we are preparing for the possibility of tropical storm force winds beginning sometime Friday morning as well as high tides in the 4-6 foot range starting as early as Thursday night.  We anticipate that the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry will cease operations at 11:00 PM on Thursday night.  Today is an important day for decision making.  Citizens of Galveston County should pay close attention to the news media throughout the day for the most current information.  We are continuing to work with our local jurisdiction partners, the National Weather Service and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management.  Now is a crucial time to activate your family plans if you have not already done so.  Please keep your gas tanks full in case the evacuation consideration is expanded by your local officials.  Take steps to protect your property from the wind by storing any patio furniture and loose items inside.  Stock up on non-perishable food and water.  You should have enough to last at least 3 days.  A suggested list of supplies for your disaster kit can be found here.  Keep yourselves up to date on the most current information by visiting the websites of the National Weather Service Houston-Galveston, the National Hurricane Center and our web page.

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