Community Impact reports that an ordinance has been approved by the Conroe City Council which requires all new and renovated retail fuel stations, nursing facilities and assisted living facilities to provide alternative power sources in case of power outages.
The ordinance applies to the facilities which have been permitted for construction or renovation after the effective date of the ordinance in early November.
Within 24 hours after any disaster, the ordinance requires fuel stations to maintain a generator that is capable of operating “all essential emergency fueling system components and dispense motor fuel safely and reliably.” Only 12 pumps are required to have a generator, if a fuel station has more than 12 pumps.
According to the ordinance, assisted living and nursing homes must have an alternate generated power supply that can provide power to operate all the areas used by residents at the time of a disaster or emergency. The ordinance also requires that the power supply be able to keep temperatures that are safe under the circumstances. The temperatures considered safe are between 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Interim attorney Mike Garner said it allows their fire marshals and code enforcement officers the flexibility during times of natural disasters and power outages to monitor the facilities to make sure they are in compliance with state law.
Because of the recent local experiences with Hurricane Beryl, Councilmember Harry Hardman said he felt it was important to bring the ordinance to the council.
