BREAKING: ExxonMobil in Beaumont, Texas has issued an emergency shelter-in-place order just minutes ago. The warning is being broadcast on social media:
BREAKING 🚨 Emergency Alert: Immediate shelter-in-place order issued for the area near the ExxonMobil refinery in Beaumont, Texas; residents are advised to close windows and turn off ventilation systems. pic.twitter.com/g9PL7BaVmw
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 10, 2024
According to the local Fox affiliate, Fox 4 News, Fire Chief Earl White has identified a particular problem being dealt with at the ExxonMobil facility in the town:
Fire Chief Earl White tells KFDM//Fox 4 News the company had a problem with a particular unit, prompting the shelter in place to go out at about 4:30.
“Go inside the nearest building,” according to a release from the City of Beaumont. “Close and lock all windows and doors. Turn off all ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and close any fireplace dampers. Seal all gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or duct tape. Remain indoors until an official ‘All Clear’ notice is given.”
The order to “seal all doorway and windows with wet towels or duct tape” is indicative of a dangerous gas leak, but no word has been given to the exact nature of the warning as of this writing.
Local ABC affiliate 12 News Now is also carrying the story:
Remain indoors until an official “All Clear” notice is given.
The Jefferson County Courthouse is closing due to the shelter-in-place.
The Jefferson County Emergency Management office says they expect the shelter-in-place to be lifted soon.
This is breaking news and will be updated as soon as more information is made available.
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