Returning home to heartbreak

GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- Interstate 45 South was literally a road to recovery this morning. Thousands of Galveston residents are making their way back to the island, and some are returning home for good.

ROAD TO RECOVERY: Breaking news on Ike | School closings | Person locator | Important phone numbers | Assistance from FEMA | Filing a claim | Latest power numbers

It will be quite some time before Galveston is itself again, but the homecoming for residents who live behind the Seawall is a major step towards that goal.

Some residents who returned found nothing left of their homes. Many others found their homes still standing, but what they found inside was devastating.

[IMAGES: See images from what residents returned to today]

"I was in shock," said Galveston Resident Lorie Knotts. "Things were moved around."

It's the kind of reaction we're hearing over and over as people get a close look at their homes on Galveston Island for the first time since Hurricane Ike.

"I thought I was going to come back to something, but I've got nothing," said Galveston resident Darrel Warner.

Warner took us into what was once his bedroom. Now, its' a scrambled, mold-ridden mess with a visible water line on the wall of four to five feet.

"When I came back home, it really hit because everything was out of order," he said. "My TV was gone. My dresser, everything was completely gone."

Not only is the inside of the house a mess, the outside didn't fare any better. In the front yard, there's a truck that doesn't even belong to the Warner family.

"I'm pretty sure we're not going to stay here because, as you can see, this isn't a nice little home anymore," said Warner.

Like Warner, Knotts is in shock. She thought her family would camp out in the front yard. But now, it's not likely they'll stay.

"I didn't imagine it would be this bad," she said. "I didn't."

And with so much devastation all over the island, it's no wonder some people won't stay.

A 'look and leave' policy is still in effect for Galveston's west end. Residents can go take a look at their property, but must be off the island by 6pm.

A 'look and leave' policy for the Bolivar Peninsula could take effect as early as Friday. Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough says it all depends on how quickly road crews make temporary repairs to the heavily damaged bridge at Rollover Pass. Without that bridge, the only way to reach Port Bolivar is by boat or helicopter.

Current Conditions in Galveston

No medical facilities are available

Limited water, sewer, electricity, or natural gas service

A boil water notice remains in effect until further notice

Mandated water conservation program in effect island-wide

Limited retail services available including fuel, food, water, auto, pharmacies, etc.

Curfew strictly enforced: 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Violators subject to $2,000 fine.

Limited cell phone coverage

The south side of the Seawall, all beaches, and the water of the Gulf of Mexico remain closed until further notice

Supplies You Will Need to Bring

Bottled Water

Flashlights and Batteries

First Aid Kit

Hand Tools

Hand Sanitizer

Heavy Duty Garbage Bags

Camera

Notepad & Pens

Bug Repellant

Personal Hygiene Items

Gloves

Face Masks

Boots

Sunscreen

Vehicle Fuel Additives

Tire Repair -- Tools, Fix-A-Flat, Spare Tire, Jack

Safety Requirements

Traffic Safety:

Watch for Debris

Drive Cautiously -- Obey All Speed Limits

Be Conscientious of Other Vehicles, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians

Treat All Intersections as a Four-Way Stop

Street Signs May or May Not Be Present so Remain Alert When Driving

Personal Safety:

Do Not Put Yourself in a Hazardous Situation

Do Not Enter Unsafe Buildings

Exercise Common Sense and Caution When Entering Structures

Keep your family safe this hurricane season. Check our complete tropical weather preparation guide

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