Deer Park council to consider emergency-shelter rules for hotels

The City of Deer Park says it's working with local hotels and motels to make
sure guests would know what to do in the event of a chemical emergency.

"A lot of people, when they're here, they're here from all over the world,
and they might see the chemical plans but not have any foreknowledge of what
Shelter-In-Place is," Deer Park City Manager Jay Stokes says. "For example,
if one of the chemical plants were to have a release into the atmosphere and
there was a wind blowing from the north to the south.... we have proceeded
to ask them to stay inside, and turn off their air-conditioning."

A new ordinance before Deer Park City Council on Tuesday night would require
hotel and motel owners to provide guests with information on what to do in
such an event, Stokes says.

Stokes says the City of La Porte adopted a similar law in 2008. He says that
city staff has been reaching out to local hotel and motel operators, and
that they have been receptive to the idea.

Under the law, hotels and motels would provide Shelter In Place guidelines
in rooms and at front desks. If passed, it would impose fines of up to $500
for violations.