Deer Park’s emergency alert system failed during the deadly PEMEX gas leak; this is what we know

Deer Park officials are addressing concerns about technical issues with the city’s emergency alert system that left many residents without critical information during a deadly chemical release at the PEMEX plant.

The gas release killed two people and another 35 were treated for hydrogen sulfide. The deadly gas release also prompted a shelter-in-place order and closed sections of Highway 225.

According to the City of Deer Park, the CodeRED alert system they use to notify residents of emergencies experienced technical difficulties.

Some residents received incorrect or duplicate messages, while others received no alerts at all.

City staff had to use CodeRED’s helpline to send notifications, resulting in messages with spelling and grammar errors.

BACKGROUND: At least 2 dead, 35 treated after chemical release at Deer Park industrial plant

“Staff worked diligently to find a solution to receive notifications through the system and ultimately had to operate through their support phone number to issue an alert,” the city said in a statement. “We are working with CodeRED to address these technical issues.”

Residents left frustrated after chaotic communication

The problems arose just as emergency officials were trying to communicate the dangers of the hydrogen sulfide release at the Deer Park PEMEX facility.

The highly toxic and flammable chemical was released around 4:40 p.m., prompting a shelter-in-place for the entire city of Deer Park and surrounding areas, including North Pasadena.

The order advised residents to stay indoors, turn off air conditioning and close all windows and doors until the situation is contained.

The Deer Park City Council acknowledged that many residents were frustrated by the conflicting alerts and lack of clear communication. Some reported receiving multiple messages, while others were left completely in the dark.

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Chronology of the incident and response

The incident began when hydrogen sulfide, a dangerous gas known for its “rotten egg” odor, was released at the PEMEX plant, prompting the evacuation of the facility and sending plumes of gas in the vicinity.

The release caused immediate concern and several emergency agencies, including the Deer Park Emergency Management Team, Pasadena Fire Department and Harris County Pollution Control, responded to control the air quality and assess the risk to the community.

The entire city of Deer Park was under a shelter-in-place order, which later extended to north Pasadena. Roads were closed and residents of the affected areas reported smelling the noxious gas for hours before clearing it.

The shelter-in-place was lifted around 9:30 p.m., but residents continued to voice concerns about lingering odors and air quality safety.

Future research and improvements

Deer Park officials say they are working closely with CodeRED to prevent future problems and are reviewing the city’s emergency response plan.

Residents with concerns about last night’s alerts or who did not receive notifications are encouraged to contact the City of Deer Park Office of Emergency Management. Anyone with information related to the chemical release or who may have been affected is also asked to contact the Harris County Pollution Control Department for follow-up and further evaluation.

The investigation into the gas release from the PEMEX facility is ongoing and officials are working to determine what caused the hydrogen sulfide leak.

PEMEX has confirmed that the incident was contained to its site and that the toast was used to safely manage the excess gas.