Deer Park’s emergency alert system failed during a deadly PEMEX gas leak. Here’s what we know

Deer Park officials are addressing concerns about technical problems with the city’s emergency alert system that left many residents without crucial 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 release of the deadly gas also triggered a shelter-in-place order and led to the closure of sections of Highway 225.

According to the City of Deer Park, the CodeRED alert system they use to notify residents of emergencies was experiencing technical issues.

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

City staff had to use CodeRED’s support phone line to send notifications, resulting in messages containing spelling and grammatical errors.

BACKGROUND: At least two dead, 35 others treated after chemical release at Deer Park industrial facility

“Staff worked diligently to find a workaround to send notifications through the system and ultimately had to use their support phone number to send notifications,” the city said in a statement. “We are working with CodeRED to address these technical issues.”

Residents were frustrated after the chaotic communication

The problems arose just as emergency responders were attempting to highlight the dangers of hydrogen sulfide release at the PEMEX Deer Park facility.

The highly toxic and flammable chemical was released around 4:40 p.m., triggering a shelter-in-place order 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 city of Deer Park acknowledged that many residents were frustrated by the conflicting warnings and lack of clear communication. Some said they received multiple messages, while others remained completely in the dark.

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Incident timeline and response

The incident began when the PEMEX facility released hydrogen sulfide, a dangerous gas known for its “rotten egg” smell, leading to the evacuation of the facility and sending clouds of gas into the surrounding area.

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

A shelter-in-place order applied to the entire city of Deer Park, which was later expanded to include North Pasadena. Highways were closed and residents in affected areas reported smelling the noxious gas for hours before they were given the all-clear.

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

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

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

PEMEX has confirmed that the incident was limited to their site and that flaring was used to safely manage the excess gas.