Evacuate or else is the premise of a new law set to take effect on September 1st. Texas lawmakers voted to extend the reach of law enforcement during times of disaster.
Last September, as Hurricane Ike made its way to Houston, both Harris and Galveston Counties issued mandatory evacuation orders. But not everyone who was told to leave did.
"During Hurricane Ike, there were numerous incidents that came up when frankly people going in to rescue folks were put in grave danger themselves because people didn't have the common sense to follow the evacuation orders," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.
As the anniversary of Ike approaches law enforcement is getting the power to forcibly evacuate areas when the county judge or city mayor deems its necessary.
"I think it's a wise decision to listen to the county or the state when the government tell you to move. It's for your own safety that's what it's all about. I am for safety," said George Rauth Jr.
Rauth is a former coast guard officer and has been in the position of rescuing another person.
"It's frustrating, you trying to save somebody and they refuse to go," he said.
As it stands now police can only warn you to leave, but that will soon change.
"We've always had the power to declare the disaster this just gives law enforcement the power to arrest somebody, forcible remove them, if they know they are in eminent danger of losing their life," said Emmett. He goes on to explain that the new law would be used judiciously and in extreme cases.
Hurricanes are not the only situations the law will apply, other disasters, such as a chemical spill, fire, or flood will also fall under mandatory evacuation orders. The penalty for ignoring a mandatory evacuation order can include a fine and 180-day stay in jail.
The measure is aimed at protecting lives; even so, some residents see it as a violation of their rights.
"You have a right to chose what you want to do, "said Cindy Reilley. "If they fell that strong about it, they need to have some documentation. So that they come to you and say, we're telling you, you are forcible being removed from here and if you don't want that sign on the dotted line."
The exact number of casualties from Ike is still unknown, but one thing is clear, the toll could have been worse had a mandatory evacuation not been ordered.
Last September, as Hurricane Ike made its way to Houston, both Harris and Galveston Counties issued mandatory evacuation orders. But not everyone who was told to leave did.
"During Hurricane Ike, there were numerous incidents that came up when frankly people going in to rescue folks were put in grave danger themselves because people didn't have the common sense to follow the evacuation orders," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.
As the anniversary of Ike approaches law enforcement is getting the power to forcibly evacuate areas when the county judge or city mayor deems its necessary.
"I think it's a wise decision to listen to the county or the state when the government tell you to move. It's for your own safety that's what it's all about. I am for safety," said George Rauth Jr.
Rauth is a former coast guard officer and has been in the position of rescuing another person.
"It's frustrating, you trying to save somebody and they refuse to go," he said.
As it stands now police can only warn you to leave, but that will soon change.
"We've always had the power to declare the disaster this just gives law enforcement the power to arrest somebody, forcible remove them, if they know they are in eminent danger of losing their life," said Emmett. He goes on to explain that the new law would be used judiciously and in extreme cases.
Hurricanes are not the only situations the law will apply, other disasters, such as a chemical spill, fire, or flood will also fall under mandatory evacuation orders. The penalty for ignoring a mandatory evacuation order can include a fine and 180-day stay in jail.
The measure is aimed at protecting lives; even so, some residents see it as a violation of their rights.
"You have a right to chose what you want to do, "said Cindy Reilley. "If they fell that strong about it, they need to have some documentation. So that they come to you and say, we're telling you, you are forcible being removed from here and if you don't want that sign on the dotted line."
The exact number of casualties from Ike is still unknown, but one thing is clear, the toll could have been worse had a mandatory evacuation not been ordered.
