Officials with the City of Angleton have issued an evacuation and shelter-in-place order due to a natural gas leak.

“Shelter-in-place” orders are normally issued during emergencies and disasters such as hurricanes, and active chemical leaks.

You may have heard the two phrases “stay-at-home” and “shelter-in-place” during emergencies and disasters such as hurricanes, chemical explosions and even during a pandemic like COVID-19. Shelter-in-place orders are given when residents must stay inside their homes and should not leave at all costs, even for essential errands, according to The Cut. Those orders are usually given after destructive hurricanes, chemical explosions and active shooting events. The same principle applies, but you are allowed to go out for essential business such as work or grocery shopping. According to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who issued the order Tuesday morning, essential businesses include, these are essential businesses.