Rumors Of Deer Park Evacuation By National Guard Prove False

DEER PARK, TX — Rumors that the Texas Army National Guard was preparing to evacuate residents of Deer Park after city emergency management officials declared a shelter in place emergency were just rumors.

Social media Tweets were shared about a possible evacuation of the city after officials at ITC detected a benzene leak where a fire occurred earlier this week.

However, it was later determined that an Army National Guard unit was in the area to assist Harris County with monitoring air quality.

Officials advised residents to stay indoors, shut off their air conditioning or heating units, and close fireplace dampers to minimize exposure to the benzene.

On Thursday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo was joined by members of the Harris County Health Department advising residents to monitor their symptoms and stay updated through the local emergency management officials.

"We are providing updates in real time through ReadyHarris.org and each city has its own notification system in place," she said.

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