First responders play an important role in our communities, protecting citizens and entities from threats and unsafe circumstances. They provide their expertise and utilize countless hours of training to bring safety to people in need.

At Port Houston, public safety plays a big role in ensuring the Port and the Houston Ship Channel continue to operate and drive commerce to the region. We provide security for the entire Channel, which includes Port Houston’s eight public terminals and more than 200 private facilities.

The Port’s Security and Emergency Operations (PSEO) division include emergency management, police, fire fighters, and security, working in partnership with private, local, and state-level entities. Each group performs various tasks and distinct roles, including dispatch, patrol, fire safety inspections, emergency planning, training, and more.

Jessica Montecalvo, Port Houston’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, along with the rest of the emergency management staff, acts as a first responder. The Department of Emergency Management is responsible for planning and responding to incidents. In addition, the team is responsible for implementing all emergency management-related activities. This includes driving initiatives like building a hurricane preparedness plan and working through various scenarios that can affect the port’s activity or operations due to emergency disruptions.

Port Police is its own department, separate from the City of Houston’s police. This team helps keep truckers, port employees, and those on Port Houston property safe. Port police takes on a lot of responsibility, answering a large amount of calls across port property. These calls include response at the gates, damage to port property, disabled vehicles, lost or recovered property, making arrests of any persons with an outstanding warrant, and PH vessel calls when a vessel needs help moving.

Port Houston’s Fire department supports all terminals and facilities both waterside and on land, of the 52-mile ship channel. Covering all the way from Bolivar Road in Galveston to Buffalo Bayou and all its tributaries that stem from it, this team takes preventative measures to ensure the Port stays safe by enforcing code, tariffs, providing extinguisher inspections, and reviewing plans for new construction.

Port Houston’s Security department works hard to operate and ensure that the port gates stay secure. Jessica Thomas, Director of Port Houston Security notes, “I have a team of thirteen people, this includes facility security managers who manage the basic security in the facility, I have port security officers that go around the terminal checking fence lines, doing gate requests and access control, and the credentialing department which does all the access control for Port Houston, employees, contractors, and port tenants.”

Extensive training and the right equipment allow the port first responders to act quickly and potentially save lives, making their job a critical part of Port Houston’s workforce. As leaders in the organization, they also are active in volunteering and community service at nearby communities. To learn more about recruitment opportunities and careers in port security and emergency operations, visit: porthouston.com/careers-2/

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The month of October has a lot of different celebrations going on, but did you know it is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Both topics are important for us at Port Houston as we continue moving business forward in the 21st Century.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Each year, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October. NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and emphasizes the need for supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. Whether physical or mental, visible or invisible, disabilities create challenges for employees that must be considered in workplace DEI efforts. Read more about it in the 2022 Presidential Declaration.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is important at Port Houston because it recognizes the unique challenges, strengths and contributions of workers with disabilities. We recognize that inclusivity for employees with disabilities must go beyond compliance to truly honor and celebrate those who live with disabilities, focusing on education and awareness to foster belonging at work.

Diversity of Disability

The Americans with Disability Act, which protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination and establishes requirements for accommodation, may be applied to a broad spectrum of disability types. Disability can be defined as “a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions.” This can include any condition impacting a person’s ability to see, hear, move, communicate, remember, learn, focus and engage in social relationships.

While some disabilities, particularly those involving mobility, are more visible and recognizable, many are not. Some disabilities are apparent at birth or in early childhood, while others develop much later in life. Additionally, people with disabilities can vary greatly in their openness about their disability, with some naming it as a feature of their identity while others choose not to disclose their condition to others beyond close family.

Disability is multifaceted, and the impacts it can have on people in the workplace – even those who are not, themselves, disabled – can vary widely. Since you can never be sure if someone you work with has a disability, a family member with a disability or friends in the disabled community, respect and sensitivity are key.

How Disability Impacts all of Us: Fast Facts

1. 1 in 4 adults living in the U.S. have some type of disability. The percentage of people living with disabilities is highest in the South.
2. People with disabilities are statistically more likely to experience poor health outcomes, with higher rates of obesity, diabetes, depression and heart disease.
3. While the population of people with disabilities in Texas is consistent with the U.S. overall (26%), the population of people with disabilities in the largest metro areas, Houston, Dallas and Austin, are below 10%.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Last year Port Houston came under a cyber attack, but thanks to our IT cybersecurity team we didn't feel any impacts from that threat. Port Houston recognizes that cybersecurity is becoming as important as everyday terminal security at our port facilities. Port Houston is pleased to announce our participation in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) annual campaign, where together, we can greatly increase our cybersecurity online, at work, and at home by taking a few basic steps.

Throughout the month of October, we must stay vigilant and secure. Below are some tips to follow when thinking about your online security:

1. Use Strong Passwords: Use passwords that are long, unique, and randomly generated.
2. Think Before You Click</strong >: recognize and report phishing.
3. Update Your Software</strong >: If you see a software update notification, act promptly.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)</strong >: enabling MFA makes you less likely to get hacked.

To learn more about how you can stay secure online, visit Cybersecurity Awareness Month – National Cybersecurity Alliance (staysafeonline.org).

Below are some other monthly observations we're honoring.

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Down Syndrome Awareness Month
• Emotional Wellness Month
• Financial Planning Month
• Global Diversity Awareness Month
• National Depress Education & Awareness Month
• National Fire Prevention Month
• National Women's Small Business Month
• Photographer Appreciation Month

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The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority approved the purchase of Motorola equipment at its March public meeting, including radios, batteries, chargers and related hardware under the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s cooperative purchase program.

Port Houston’s operations, emergency management and security personnel use radio technology equipment to maintain operations and security at all terminals and respond to incidents and other emergencies. This equipment is used as employees carry out assigned tasks.

The HGAC cooperative program was established in 1973 to enable government entities to obtain purchasing pursuant to the Texas Interlocal Cooperate Act.

Port Houston strives to safely protect and secure people and commerce.

In an average week, the Port Emergency Dispatch Center handles 876 calls for service, records 78 vessel movements and processes 57 gate requests.

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When a small camera-equipped drone fell out of the sky trailing smoke over Port Houston’s Turning Basin Terminal recently, it raised some serious security concerns.

The incident last Spring triggered an immediate investigation. The drone was being flown over port property without authorization. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all owners of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems follow strict regulations and laws.

Within minutes of the incident taking place, port police and firefighters were dispatched to the scene. The initial investigation determined that a freelance photographer had taken photos of the port with the drone. The drone was in the air over the port for at least 30 minutes and 60-plus photos were taken of vessels, rail infrastructure and other structures.

Red flags were also raised by the fact the operator of the drone, which was manufactured in China, was in a rental car with out-of-state license plates that differed from the state on the person’s driver license.

The FAA requires hobbyist drone operators to contact air traffic control and/or airport management if they are operating within a 5-mile radius of any local airport. The port’s Turning Basin terminal falls into that category because of its proximity to Hobby Airport.

Because no permission was sought or granted, operators in situations like this can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor under Texas state law.

The use of drones both commercially and recreationally has skyrocketed in recent years. Some of the top non-military uses include journalism, film and aerial photography, shipping delivery, search and rescue, geographic mapping, law enforcement and border patrol and construction sites. Regardless of their intended purpose, the use of drones around ports raises special concerns. Drone owners and operators should follow all regulations and laws, especially when near port facilities.

You can read more about drones in the port's 2018 summer magazine here.

The post Use of Drones Triggers Security Actions at Port Houston appeared first on Port Houston.

More than 200 participants from 13 Houston-area public safety agencies and 20 industry partners participated in a federally sponsored emergency management exercise Dec. 4 and 5.

Port Houston welcomed the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate's Next Generation First Responder Program. The exercise’s purpose was to show how commercial and DHS-developed technologies can be integrated with existing public safety systems in a HAZMAT scenario.

The test also was designed to learn how to improve responder safety and augmented situational awareness, increased operational coordination and enhanced operational communications.

During the exercise, participants assessed technologies on a simulated offshore fuel leak from ships in the port. Technologies included advanced data analytics, HAZMAT sensors, responder and patient physiological monitoring sensors, situational awareness and collaboration dashboards and indoor location tracking.

William N. Bryan, Senior Official Performing Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, lauded all the agencies involved for their efforts.

“This is a great endeavor and could not have been accomplished without the time and dedication from our Houston-area and Harris County public safety agency and industry partners for their time, dedication, and determination for a successful exercise,” Bryan said. “Homeland security begins with hometown security. It is partnerships like these that help us show the world the future of first responder technology.”

The Office of Emergency Management at Port Houston is responsible for the preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation of emergencies and major disasters at the port.

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In 2018, Port Houston was presented with the Rear Admiral Richard E. Bennis Award for Excellence in Maritime Security by U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral John P. Nadeau, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, and Houston-Galveston Sector Captain of the Port, Capt. Kevin Oditt.

“This is a tremendous achievement and testimony to the never ending efforts of our Security Department, and all employees of Port Houston, who contribute daily to our security,” said Chief Port Security and Emergency Operations Officer Marcus Woodring.

The prestigious security award, which is presented every two years, is given to organizations demonstrating excellence in maritime security through their programs and practices.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions in partnerships, people, processes, physical security, and other security activities with regard to implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act requirements and other best practices in safeguarding the nation’s vital marine transportation system.

The Admiral also commended the port’s ISO 28000 certification in its tenth year, as well as the region’s response to Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

“I would like to extend my appreciation and congratulations to the members of our Port Security and Emergency Operations team for all of their efforts in achieving this distinguished award,” added former Port Chairman Janiece Longoria.

The post Port Houston Receives U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Bennis Award appeared first on Port Houston.

Caption: Capt. of the Port Kevin Oditt (Photo Credit: Greater Houston Port Bureau)

The Port Houston team attended the Greater Houston Port Bureau's Commerce Club luncheon featuring U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Kevin Oditt Jan. 11. First responders, air and boat rescues, and greater Houston Ship Channel area closures were topics discussed at the event.

The U.S. Coast Guard supported the Gulf Coast region heavily during Hurricane Harvey. With additional support from across the country, the Coast Guard was able to station its rescue and recovery teams in Houston, Corpus Christi and Beaumont/Port Arthur prior to the major storm. Capt. Oditt commended the response from private citizens, industry, and local and federal agencies for their part in ensuring the safe reopening of the region’s ports.

Port Houston’s fireboats were some of the first vessels out to evaluate the waterway conditions, noted Oditt.

One of the challenges that the Coast Guard experienced this time unlike past storms was the unexpected use of social media for rescue operations from residents in flooded areas as well as its 911 emergency calls. The lessons learned in Texas were able to be used shortly thereafter for recoveries from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston is a critical stakeholder and partner with Port Houston as well as the many private facilities along the Houston Ship Channel. It is the principal federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security and environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and waterways.

The post Captain Of The Port Shares Hurricane Harvey Tales at Commerce Club Luncheon appeared first on Port Houston.

On Saturday, August 5, a potential suicide was averted, thanks to some quick-thinking Port Houston Police officers who spotted a man threatening to jump off the 610 bridge.

Port Houston Officer Jon Schwartz was en route to Manchester Terminal when he observed a motorcycle stopped on the southbound side of the 610 Bridge at the safety fence line. He noticed that the motorcyclist was acting suspiciously and notified Dispatch. After Officer Schwartz turned around and returned to the southbound side, he saw that the motorcyclist had climbed over the rail and was sitting on a sign bracket frame attached to the outer ledge, preparing to jump off the bridge. Houston Police Department Officer Helton, who had just arrived, and Schwartz began talking to the man, attempting to calm him down. They were joined by Sgts. Jimmy Avalos and Charles McCary.

Soon after, HPD units arrived and assisted in trying to talk the man off the outer ledge. When he did not appear to calm down, Schwartz, Avalos and Helton, along with other HPD officers, grabbed him and pulled him back over onto the bridge to safety.  The Crisis Intervention Response Team unit took the man into custody, and he was taken to Ben Taub Hospital for evaluation.

“Our Police Department officers did outstanding work in saving this man’s life by pulling him from the 610 bridge,” said Police Chief Mark Smith. “I would like to thank Dispatcher Tammie Craft, Officer Schwartz, Sgt. Avalos and Sgt. McCary for their quick and professional response.”

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