Hurricane Harvey: Mandatory Evacuations In Pecan Grove, Sienna Plantation

(UPDATED) SUGAR LAND, TX — Residents in Sienna Plantation and Pecan Grove subdivisions in Fort Bend County are under a mandatory evacuation order from the Fort Bend Office of Emergency Management.

The mandatory order comes just hours after the city of Sugar Land issued mandatory evacuation orders for Levee Improvement District No. 1 and No. 7.

Sugar Land residents are being evacuated amid reports that the Brazos River levels are expecting to rise to 59 feet by Tuesday.

RELATED: Hurricane Harvey Kills 8, More Misery Ahead In Houston

Mandatory evacuations have been issued for residents in First Colony Levee Improvement District No. 1 and Fort Bend County levee improvement district No. 7 in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Evacuation checklist:

• Leave as soon as instructed to and follow the instructions of officials
• Determine safe evacuation routes
• Pack essential items, including medicine, important documents, first aid kits, blankets, pillows, phone chargers, critical contacts information, basic need equipment such as glasses or contacts
• Take your pets with you, don’t forget your pet’s food and medication
• Secure your home by locking all doors and windows
• Shut off your homes utilities
• Unplug electrical equipment including appliances, TVs and radios
• Take your vehicle and house keys with you

All other Sugar Land and ETJ residents within levee districts are under voluntary evacuations at this time, officials said. (Want to get daily updates about Hurricane Harvey and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Sugar Land Patch morning newsletter.)

A mandatory evacuation means that there is imminent risk to life and safety as well as property. There is also a risk to the lives of first responders who might be dispatched when the expected danger materializes.

During a mandatory evacuation emergency, public safety responders will have difficulty responding to calls for help.

Emergency officials say those who don't evacuate may be on their own and cannot rely on emergency services for help.

A voluntary evacuation means residents should consider leaving to head for a safer area. There is a chance that surrounding flood waters may hinder their ability to get out of their neighborhoods, and they may be stuck there for several days.

The Sugar Land City Council held an emergency meeting Sunday night to discuss the city’s emergency plan and to consider and take actions necessary to protect the residents and property in the city.

See Also: Harvey Still Expected To Cause More Damage

Sugar Land Communications Director Doug Adolph said city engineers are working with regional flood control partners and Fort Bend County to run models to determine the exact impact on the community.

This information will assist the city in making decisions on how to respond and provide specific directions for those living within the community.

The rising waters of the Brazos River have prompted evacuations in various communities.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents in Richmond and Rosenberg and residents living near the San Bernard River.

Photo: Carlton Cummins of Rockport, Texas, talks about his evacuation from hurricane Harvey while outside a shelter in San Antonio, Saturday, Aug. 26. Cummins and his family spent the night inland away from where Harvey rolled ashore.

Photo credit: AP Photo/LM Otero

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